CNCI welcomes progress on Norochcholai and Upper Kotmale power projects

The Ceylon National Chamber of Industries has welcomed the signing of Sino-Sri Lanka economic agreements by the President with the Government of China, last week.

The most important of it all from the point of industry and economy of the country is the agreement to establish the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant, CNCI's Secretary General, CEO Upali Samarasinghe said in a press release.

"We are happy to note that the Government had the courage to implement the Phase I of the Upper Kotmale Hydro Power Project amidst protests from parties with hidden agendas. It is heartening to note that the people have now realised the truth and the myth about UKHP.

"Our campaign was neither political nor against any individual or political party. Our aim was to strengthen the hand of the Government in power to take a bold step and implement the said power projects disregarding all possible political set backs to the party concerned for the sake of the people in this country. We appealed to the President to act courageously as a true national leader to help save our country from the economic abyss that is glaring at us and we are happy that she has acted.

"As a responsible chamber primarily representing the industrial sector of this country we foresee the looming energy crisis and urge the industrialists, the members of the business community, politicians and the public to shed differences and support the government to proceed with the implementation of Upper Kotmalai and Norochchalai power projects, complete and commission them fast".

"We are not averse to power sector reforms. In a globalised economy, reforms are needed in all sectors from time to time. However, it is our ardent belief that CEB and CPC reforms alone will not solve the energy crisis in Sri Lanka.

Now that alternate power projects are becoming a reality, let's look at the proposed reforms with sincerity without any political or individualistic interests', Samarasinghe said.