Go ahead for Norochcholai

BY E. WEERAPPERUMA

SIGNS emerged that the Norochcholai coal power project, the subject of much controversy and debate over the years, finally getting off the ground without objection when Members of Parliament, Provincial Councillors and local authorities across the political divide in the Puttalam District pledged their support for the mega project.

Power and Energy Minister John Seneviratne told participants at a seminar in Chilaw yesterday organised by the Ministry to educate Members of Local Governments and MPs of the area that the Government would sign the final agreement with China in March and February. Arrangements will be made to construct 80 houses for families to be re-settled at Daluwa.

"We have to evict about 74 families residing at the site of the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant Project. We have decided to give them fully equipped houses and they would also be provided with other facilities needed to live a comfortable life. Each household will be provided with a two acre plot of land in addition to the houses," he said.

The Minister promised to grant employment to 3,000 unemployed youth in the district once the project is implemented.

He assured that no outsider will be given employment generated through the project. Fishermen will be given boats and nets to continue fishing although they have to move away from their usual abode close to the sea.

A Ministry spokesman said no religious issue was raised at the seminar and members representing the Government and the Opposition agreed to shun differences for the sake of the country's well being and work for its development.

Steps will also be taken to deal with issues pertaining to environment and advise sought from experts.

As part of the project, new roads leading to Norochcholai will be constructed. There will be a 18 kilometre stretch leading to Norochcholai from Kalpitiya, sources said.

Power and Engery Deputy Minister, Mahindananda Aluthgamage along with Ministers, Milroy Fernando, D. M. Dassanayake, Dayasritha Tissera and SLMC MP, K. A. Baiz were present at the seminar.