Plans to set up natural gas hub in Trinco
Cabinet approval has been sought to establish a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Hub terminal and Storage at the Trincomalee Port for export by Energy World International Ltd, a leading company headquartered in Hong Kong, it is learnt. It is also seeking approval to hand over a 30 acre land on lease for 30 years to the company. This global company submitted a business proposal first way back in 2012 to seek approval. However, the Attorney General observed that the scope of the project was in conflict with the Sri Lanka Electricity Act. Later, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority sought this Company to establish a joint venture with the local authorities for investment. The proposed investment is US $ 300 million. A Cabinet Appointed Negotiating Committee and a project committee will evaluate the proposal for this project and submit recommendations.(Kelum Bandara)
Source :20/01/2017 Daily Mirror,See more at: http://www.dailymirror.lk/122475/Plans-to-set-up-natural-gas-hub-in-Trinco#sthash.yAoCrCT7.dpuf
Action should be taken against those who deforest Wilpattu National Park.
Coalition to Protect Our National Heritage said yesterday if former Minister Wimal Weerawansa was remanded for misusing state vehicles, politicians and government servants who were behind the deforestation of the Wilpattu National Park should also be brought before the FCID and CID. Environmental activist Nayanaka Ranwella said the devastators of the environment should have been in prison for causing an irreparable loss to the environment and added that they were urging the government to implement the law against the culprits. “While Wimal Weerawansa was arrested for misusing state vehicles, politicians and government servants who destroyed Wilpattu National Park are at large. We can buy vehicles but we cannot repair the destruction caused to the environment,” he said. He told a news conference that more than 3, 400 acres of the Wilpattu Forest Reserve had been destroyed and that the deforestation was continuing under the present government as well. He urged the President as the Environmental Minister to mediate in resolving the issue as it would endanger the rare “Villu” eco-systems. Environmental Activist Sajeewa Chamikara said people from other areas were being settled in Wilpattu Forest Reserve for political advantage claiming that it was resettlement. “It is not resettlement which is happening in these areas. People from other areas are brought to these deforested areas on political requirements. Minister Rishad Bathiudeen is trying to justify his taking over of the forested areas,” he said. He said 280 acres of forested land was taken over by Minister Bathiudeen and Basil Rajapaksa by forcing the Forest Department to release the land during the previous government and added that over 1, 700 acres had been cleared illegally so far. “The Forest Department officials were helpless as they were unable to take action against them,” he said. (Ajith Siriwardana)
See more at: http://www.dailymirror.lk/article/-Action-should-be-taken-against-those-who-deforest-Wilpattu-National-Park-122423.html
Man killed in shootout at Wasgamuwa National Park
A 38-year-old man was killed at the Wasgamuwa National Park during a shootout between wildlife officers and a group of hunters, who had allegedly entered the park last night, Police said. A wild life officer has also been arrested in connection with the shootout which took place when officials launched a search operation following a tip off. Police said the three individuals were asked to surrender but had opted to open fire. A suspect who was injured during the shootout had succumbed to his injuries after he was admitted to the Wilgamuwa Hospital. Investigations revealed that wildlife officers had used rubber bullets during the shootout.(M.W. Somaratne)
See more at: http://www.dailymirror.lk/article/Man-killed-in-shootout-at-Wasgamuwa-National-Park-122361.html#sthash.hAOSy4wu.dpuf
