Upper Kotmale launch in December

Rajmi Manatunga

COLOMBO: The Government is set to launch the construction of the Upper Kotmale power station, one of the largest hydropower plants of the country in December this year.

The Power and Energy Ministry said that work on the hydropower station which is expected to contribute 150 Megawatts to the national grid will commence by year end after resettling people displaced as a result of the project.

According to the Ministry, around 500 families from Thalwakelle whose lands have been acquired for the project, mostly estate community, will be provided with alternative settlements next month.

"We have already completed the construction of the 495 houses. They will be handed over to the families next month. The housing scheme will be equipped with infrastructure including roads, schools, community halls and religious places," a Ministry spokesman said.

He said that the construction of the tunnel leading to the power station will be the next stage of the project once the resettlement is completed.

The Upper Kotmale hydropower project which is estimated to cost around Rs. 92.8 billion is funded by the Japanese Bank for International Cooperation. The project is expected to be completed by 2010.