CEB Unions welcome Norochcholai coal plant

It is the responsibility of everybody who is concerned about the country's economy to support the setting up of the coal power plant in Norochcholai, the Joint Trade Union Alliance of the Ceylon Electricity Board said.

The Alliance in a statement said that any party which is willing to go ahead with the proposed power plant has the blessing of the CEB trade unions and they will take every possible measure to defeat the forces which oppose the project.

The Alliance which represents almost all the trade unions of the CEB also appealed the people to think twice before electing to power those who try to sabotage such projects of national importance. The press release issued by the convenor of the Alliance Ananda Nimalaratne stated:

"A Sunday newspaper reported a statement made by the United National Party's Deputy General Secretary, Tissa Attanayake on the setting up of the coal power plant. He said that he opposed the setting up of the plant in Norochcholai. Our union believes that this statement represents the official position of the UNP with regard to this issue,"

The country is on the verge of fulfilling its long standing need of setting up a coal powered electricity generating plant due to the efforts of trade unions and other interested groups.

The resources in the country for generating hydro-power are rapidly eroding. Coal power is the next cheapest means of electricity generation at a time when the world oil prices are increasing.

The country has lost billions or rupees due to the delay in setting up of this plant.

If we are to set up a coal power plant in some place other than Norochcholai it will take at least six to eight years as we have to conduct feasibility studies.

The Government has given the green light for this project and it is the responsibility of everybody to support it," the statement said.