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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Friday said it has approved a USD-57.4-million (EUR 50.4m) financing package for a solar aggregation and virtual net metering project in Sri Lanka.

The project will support two government-owned utilities in establishing a utility-led rooftop solar aggregation and virtual net metering model that pools electricity from large rooftop solar installations and virtually distributes credits to eligible consumers. It will involve the installation of about 25 MWp of rooftop solar capacity. 

The project will also help modernise and digitalise the distribution networks of the two utilities.

The project aims to lower electricity costs for eligible micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and community organisations, including such unable to install rooftop solar, through allocations under a social compensation mechanism.

The financing comprises a USD-35-million concessional loan, grants of USD 16.9 million from the EU and USD 5.5 million from the Japan Fund for the Joint Crediting Mechanism. Together with counterpart funding from implementing agencies, the total estimated project cost is USD 80.5 million.

Source: Renewables Now

At least 32 people are dead and 700 injured after two powerful earthquakes rocked Venezuela on Wednesday, acting President Delcy Rodriguez said, the Associated Press reported.

The number of casualties is expected to rise, Rodriguez said.

A magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit about 160 km (100 miles) west of Caracas, followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The USGS, using predictive modeling to estimate the death toll, said it would most likely run into the thousands, with a substantial probability of exceeding 10,000.

Rodriguez said initial figures do not include casualties from La Guaira state, near Caracas and home to the city's airport, which is the worst affected.

"Dozens of buildings have collapsed, and we are currently carrying out very intense rescue efforts to save as many lives as God allows us to save," she said in an appearance on state television just before 1 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) on Thursday.

"I also want to say that this is a true tragedy. From here, we send our message of solidarity, and to those families who have lost loved ones, we reaffirm our condolences and our support in these difficult hours.”

The country is focused on rescue efforts, including the arrival in the coming hours of rescue crews from other countries, she said, as she thanked leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump.

Trump said in a post on social media the U.S. was ready, willing and able to help in the disaster.

"The two major earthquakes that just hit the great people of Venezuela ⁠are both massive in scale and have left a devastating number of deaths," said Trump, who ordered the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a violent raid in January.

Three people were killed in the Baruta district in Caracas after two buildings collapsed, the district mayor said on social media. One person was killed and four buildings had completely collapsed, Gustavo Duque, the mayor of Chacao district in the capital told journalists. “We have buildings, homes and houses which have collapsed and we are taking care of things with everything we have available in terms of security, civil assistance," Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said on state television.

Video footage showed emergency workers climbing through the ruins of a collapsed building in the capital as night fell, while distraught relatives sought help for loved ones believed to be trapped.

"When we went downstairs, the scene was like a horror movie," said Maria Alejandra, a resident from a nearby building, who did not give her surname.

“We had to climb over the rubble and everything. The building superintendent with the baby and all the neighbors coming down. But from that building, I only saw that one family got out.”

RESIDENTS RUSH INTO THE STREETS

A tsunami warning was issued but swiftly canceled after the danger passed.

Many Venezuelans were at home when the quakes struck during a public holiday. "There was a very loud crash. Things fell in the house, jugs inside the refrigerator. I've never experienced anything like it," said Coro Martinez, 56, who lives in eastern Caracas.

Residents across Caracas, which was also hit by a deadly magnitude 6.3 earthquake in 1967, rushed to evacuate as buildings shook.
"As soon as it started, we ⁠began hearing people screaming," said Astrid Ramirez, a 41-year-old publicist in western Caracas. “Everyone was running down the stairs.”

Maria Romero, an 80-year-old pensioner in southern Caracas, said police helped her get out of her home. "This earthquake was horrible, even worse than the one in 1967," she said.

Another resident, a 41-year-old office worker who declined to be named, said she received an earthquake alert on her phone just before the shaking intensified.

“As I picked it up and started listening to what it was saying, I first felt light shaking. Then, in less than two seconds, everything started moving.”

Leaders from countries including El Salvador, the Dominican Republic and Brazil offered support and sympathy, while the U.S. State Department said it was in touch with Venezuelan authorities and mobilizing assistance.

Rodriguez, who has been running the country since the U.S. ouster of Maduro, said she has instructed the foreign ministry to coordinate the aid offers.

The ⁠U.S. embassy in Caracas said it was closely monitoring the aftermath of the quake and urged citizens in the country to seek secure shelter.

Venezuela lies in a seismically active zone where the Caribbean Plate meets the South American Plate.

An estimated 30,000 people were killed when a powerful quake caused widespread destruction in the cities of Merida and Caracas in 1812, according to the USGS.

HOSPITALS BRACE FOR THE INJURED

At Caracas' Hospital de Clinicas, staff were asked to double up on the night shift to help treat the injured, a worker there said.

Venezuela's largest airport, in Maiquetia on the coast north of ⁠Caracas, was closed due to damages, Rodriguez said.

Classes were canceled for the rest of the week as authorities began to take stock of the damage.

Venezuela's oil infrastructure did not immediately appear to be affected by the tremors. Civil protection authorities in Maracaibo, near the large oil hub of Lake Maracaibo, said there were no injuries reported and a worker at the El Palito refinery near Morón - the epicenter of the earthquake - said there had been no damage there.

UK oil firm Shell, which is evaluating developing gas fields in Venezuela, said all ⁠its employees in the country are accounted for with no injuries.

One source noted that extended loss of power could hit crude output levels until the service is restored. Venezuela's oil ministry, state-run oil company PDVSA and its main foreign partner, Chevron, did not immediately reply to requests for comment. 

Source: Reuters

South Korea’s former First Lady Kim Keon Hee was sentenced on Friday to seven years in jail for receiving bribes, after a court found her guilty of ​accepting luxury items such as jewellery and a Dior handbag in exchange for political favours.

The wife of ​ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol - who was ousted in 2025 following his failed attempt to ⁠impose martial law - received the bribes before and during his presidency, the lead judge at the Seoul ​Central District Court said.

“She exercised her power as first lady to offer jobs and business favours,” the judge ​said, citing her willingness to use her influence to help people obtain key government or parliamentary posts.

“She received without any hesitation those bribes, which ordinary people would hardly encounter during their lives.”

The list of bribes included jewellery such as a Van ​Cleef & Arpels necklace, a Tiffany brooch and a pair of Graff earrings, the judge said.

Kim also received a ​gold turtle, a Dior handbag, a Vacheron Constantin watch worth 39 million won ($25,349.86) and a painting worth 140 million won, ‌he ⁠said.

The judge said the actions of the former first lady seriously hurt public trust in the fairness of public appointments.

Those who gave her bribes included a construction company owner who sought a government post for his son-in-law, a pastor seeking to expand his network with high-ranking officials, the former head of a private university ​and the chief executive of ​a robotic dog retailer ⁠who wanted to supply products to the presidential security team, the judge said.

The court also fined Kim 64.8 million won and ordered the confiscation of items given ​as bribes if they could be located.

Kim has denied all the charges. Her ​lawyer told ⁠reporters she would appeal the ruling, accusing the judge of exaggerating evidence unfavourable to Kim, the Yonhap News Agency reported.

The former first lady is currently in jail after being found guilty on charges of stock manipulation and receiving ⁠bribes from ​South Korea’s Unification Church. She was sentenced to four years in ​jail on these charges in April.

Her husband Yoon was sentenced to life in prison in February for masterminding an insurrection tied to his ​short-lived imposition of martial law in 2024.

Source: Reuters

Certificates for the G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination 2025 (2026) will be issued exclusively through an online system, the Department of Examinations has announced.

According to a statement issued by Commissioner General of Examinations A.K.S. Indika Kumari Liyanage, candidates will not be required to visit the Department of Examinations to collect their certificates under the new system.

The Commissioner General urged candidates to avoid visiting the department for certificate collection and instead use the official online portal at https://certificate.doenets.lk/certificate to submit their requests.

Under the revised procedure, applicants will be able to apply through the online system and receive their examination certificates delivered directly to their homes via postal service.

The Department stated that the move is intended to streamline the certificate issuing process and improve convenience for candidates.

Australia and Paraguay played to a 0-0 draw Thursday night in a result that clinched a spot in the knockout round of the World Cup for the Socceroos and will likely be enough for the Paraguayans to advance.

The expanded tournament to 48 teams that provides a spot in the knockout round for eight of the 12 third-place teams in the group stage led to the cautious approach for both teams in their final Group D match after they each entered with three points thanks to wins over Turkey.

The winner of this game was assured second place behind the United States in the group with Australia also clinching that spot with a draw thanks to a better goal differential than Paraguay. But the draw that gave Paraguay four points in the group also was likely to be enough barring a string of bad results in the final two days of group play.

This marks the third time that Australia has advanced to the knockout round after losing in the round of 16 in 2006 and 2022. The Socceroos will play in the round of 32 on July 3 in Arlington, Texas, against the second-place finisher from Group G that will be determined Friday night.

Paraguay must wait to learn its fate, but is in good position to advance to the knockout round for the fifth time.

The Socceroos had the best chances in the first half, but Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill stopped an early attempt from Jackson Irvine and then made another save in stoppage time against Cristian Volpato.

The cautious play continued in the second half when Paraguay did have more possession than in the opening 45 minutes but neither team came close to scoring. Jordan Bos had the best chance for Australia in the 90th minute, but his shot went wide from the right side of the box.

Patrick Beach then made a save for Australia on a low shot by Mauricio that lacked power in stoppage time.

Australia coach Tony Popovic made six changes to his lineup for the game, including giving 18-year-old Lucas Herrington his first World Cup appearance. Herrington, who plays for the Colorado Rapids in the MLS, became the youngest Aussie to appear in a World Cup game.

Paraguay midfielder Diego Gomez got his second yellow card of group play and will miss the round of 32 if the team advances.

Source: AP

Rohitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, arrived at the Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) a short while ago to record a statement.

Rajapaksa appeared before the Central Crime Investigation Bureau in connection with an ongoing investigation involving an investment he is alleged to have made in an institution located in Mirihana.

Authorities are continuing investigations into the matter, while further details are expected following his statement to investigators.

The Department of Meteorology has forecast showery conditions across several parts of the country, with intermittent rainfall expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-Western provinces, as well as the districts of Galle, Matara, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya.

According to the latest weather advisory, isolated showers or thundershowers may also develop in parts of the Uva Province and in the Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 2.00 p.m.

In addition to the rainfall, fairly strong winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kmph are expected at times over the western slopes of the Central Hills. Similar windy conditions are also likely across the Northern, North-Central, North-Western, and Southern provinces, as well as the Trincomalee district.

The Department of Meteorology has urged the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to reduce the risk of damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning associated with thundershowers.

The postmortem examination has confirmed that the death of a physiotherapist attached to the Ampara Hospital, who was found dead under suspicious circumstances in Teldeniya, Kandy was a homicide caused by strangulation.

The body of the 33-year-old was discovered inside a car parked near the Teldeniya Hospital on June 17, an incident that shocked the country.

Following suspicions surrounding the death, police launched a comprehensive investigation. As a result, officers of the Walana Central Anti Vice Striking Force arrested the main suspect, along with his wife and a child, early yesterday (24).

The 43-year-old main suspect—reportedly the victim’s boyfriend—and his 35-year-old wife, residents of Kosgolla, Horombawa, were taken into custody while travelling by bus in Chavakachcheri, Jaffna, during a coordinated operation carried out by the Walana unit.

Separately, a 49-year-old resident of Rajawella was also arrested by officers of the Nuwara Eliya Divisional Criminal Investigation Bureau on charges of providing assistance in concealing the main suspect.

Police stated that all suspects were handed over to the Nuwara Eliya Police Station last night (24) for further investigations.

Investigations revealed that the victim, a resident of Weligama, had been staying at a hotel in Nuwara Eliya from June 3 to June 16.

CCTV footage reportedly showing the suspect carrying the victim’s body out of the hotel room had been circulated to the media, prompting further police inquiries.

Following a seven-day manhunt conducted under the instructions of Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya, with technical support from the Criminal Investigation Department, the main suspect was eventually apprehended.

During interrogation, however, the suspect claimed that when he entered the hotel room, the victim was already found hanging and that he panicked and transported the body to Teldeniya in a vehicle.

(Adaderana.lk)

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has suspended the party membership and all official positions held by its Horana Constituency Organiser, Charith Abeysinghe, with immediate effect after he was arrested and remanded over an alleged bribery incident.

In a statement issued by SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, the party said the decision follows Abeysinghe's remand on June 25 in connection with a bribery allegation linked to an incident that reportedly took place in 2023.

The SJB clarified that Abeysinghe was not affiliated with the party at the time of the alleged offence. According to the statement, he was neither a member nor the Horana organiser of the party and did not hold any position within the SJB during 2023.

Reaffirming its position against corruption, the party stated that it fully supports the enforcement of the law against individuals accused of bribery or any other unlawful activities. The SJB also stressed that it does not oppose legal proceedings being carried out against those facing such allegations.

The suspension will remain in effect as legal proceedings related to the case continue.

Private bus operators have formally requested the National Transport Commission (NTC) to implement this year's annual bus fare revision from July 1, citing increasing operational expenses and challenges faced by the industry.

The request was submitted in writing on June 24 by private bus associations, according to Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) Chairman Gamunu Wijeratne.

Wijeratne stated that discussions between transport authorities and bus operators regarding the proposed fare adjustment are expected to take place within the coming days.

According to him, transport associations had initially considered introducing the annual fare revision on July 5. However, following consultations with affiliated associations, a decision was reached to seek implementation from July 1, in line with the traditional schedule followed in previous years.

He noted that the proposal received the approval of member associations before being officially forwarded to the National Transport Commission.

Bus operators have also submitted their cost calculations to the NTC as part of the review process. Wijeratne expressed confidence that the final fare revision could exceed 15 percent, based on current operating costs.

The annual bus fare adjustment is generally calculated using an established formula that considers fuel prices and other expenses associated with operating public transport services.

The National Transport Commission is expected to review the request and hold discussions with stakeholders before making a final determination on the proposed fare revision.

The Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Kundasale Police Training School has been arrested by the Nuwara Eliya Police in connection with the murder of the physiotherapist whose body was discovered inside a car in Theldeniya.

Police stated that the OIC was arrested on allegations of aiding and abetting the crime.

He was taken into custody by officers of the Walana Central Anti-Corruption Unit.

According to police, the arrest was made on suspicion that the officer assisted the main suspect and his wife in evading arrest by helping them remain in hiding.

Meanwhile, the Nuwara Eliya Magistrate’s Court has granted approval to detain and interrogate the previously arrested main suspect, his wife, and another suspect for a period of 48 hours.

The body of the female physiotherapist was discovered inside a motor vehicle near Theldeniya Hospital on June 17. A post-mortem examination revealed that the cause of death was strangulation.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing, said police.

The International Maritime Organization, a specialized United Nations agency, said it is launching an evacuation of thousands of stranded seafarers following easing of restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz.

“After months of hardship and distress for thousands of innocent seafarers, and negative impact for the whole world, I welcome with deep satisfaction the peace agreement concluded between the United States and Iran, marking a decisive step towards restoring maritime security and bringing to an end the unacceptable attacks against civilian shipping,” IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez said in a statement.

Dominguez said the agency “will begin the implementation of the evacuation plan for over 11,000 seafarers still stranded in the region. This large-scale operation will be carried out in close cooperation with Iran, Oman, all other coastal States in the region, the United States and the maritime industry.”

Restrictions imposed on the Strait of Hormuz by Iran during the war sparked an unprecedented crisis in the region, which left thousands of crews trapped on ships with no clear way out. When the US imposed its own blockade on Iranian ports, the situation worsened.

The competing measures created a standoff that brought traffic through the strategic chokepoint to a near halt, with only a handful of vessels transiting the waterway each day compared to more than a hundred in normal conditions.

The IMO reported that 14 seafarers were killed in attacks during the conflict.

Source: CNN