No pause in progress

President pledges to accelerate development in key spheres:

Rohan Mathes in Norochcholai

NOROCHCHOLAI: President Mahinda Rajapaksa asserted that in recognition of the crucial necessity of providing electricity to all households at an affordable rate, the Government is now going ahead with the long-awaited 'coal powered electricity plant' project at Norochcholai, with the full assistance and co-operation of the people and the blessings of all religious leaders.

President Rajapaksa made this assertion during and inspection tour of the coal power plant site at Norochcholai yesterday, where he also symbolically inaugurated the first phase of construction.

This crucial project had been delayed and stagnant for many years, the President said due to protest campaigns and agitation from various sections of society. However he said, the Government carries the onus of providing electricity to the people.

Therefore, without postponing it any further, his Government steadfastly took the right decision to implement it.

This power plant with a capacity of 900 MW when completed, is scheduled to add 300 MW to the National Grid by 2011 and would be completed by 2015. He thanked the Chinese Government for funding this project with a sum of Rs. 455 million. This had become a reality following his recent visit to China.

Stressing the paramount importance of completing the construction of the plant at its earliest, the President said: "I urge all stakeholders of the project to expedite the construction process and complete it at least one year ahead of the scheduled period.

If it was done at the correct time as planned, I would have come here today not to inaugurate its construction but to declare open the power plant itself."

The Government has already commenced an extensive development programme in the East and was concentrating on ways and means of bringing peace to the North as soon as possible so that development programmes could be extended to the North as well, he remarked.

President Rajapaksa noted that when developing a country, it was inevitable that the Government would confront diverse obstacles. Various groups will strive to disrupt its progress.

However, the leadership should have the courage and the strength to take it forward. He pointed out that oil prices are directly proportionate with the prices of electricity and water.

The Government is taking much of the losses as it does not like to burden the people too much in any sphere. However, when the Coal power plant which is not dependant on oil is completed, there would be a marked reduction in power prices. This would be a considerable dividend and benefit to the people.

The President said that those who were displaced as a result of the construction of this massive project have already been provided with completed houses including all facilities such as drinking water, roadways and transport at a cost of Rs. 936 million.

The President said the Government had been able to inaugurate two other power plants - Kotmale and Kerawalapitiya.

President Rajapaksa said that within a short period of over a year, they have developed the country while consolidating its position in the North East.

"We are always committed for peace. Petty political differences should now be eliminated for the country's sake," he added.

Ministers John Senevirathne, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Milroy Fernando, CMEC Chaiman Ren Honbin, Exim Bank Chairman Lee Jun and Chinese Envoy in Sri Lanka Ye Dabo also addressed the gathering.