Moves to expedite Indo-Lanka power transmission interconnection

Wasantha Ramanayake

The Power and Energy Ministry Secretary M.M.C. Ferdinando is in India to explore the possibility of expediting the Indo-Lanka electricity transmission, interconnection, a ministry official said.

Ferdinando held talks in this regard with his Indian counterpart, the official added. The visit was sequel to the discussions Power and Energy Minister W.D.J. Seneviratne and Indian Commerce Minister Jairam Ramesh had in Colombo recently, the source said.

Arrangements would be made to import 500 MW electricity from India by 2010 as an interim measure to cater to the increasing demand of electricity until the full implementation of the Norochcholai and Trincomale Coal Fired Power plants, Upper Kotmale, Uma-Oya and Ginganga Hydro Electricity Projects and the Kerawalapitiya Combined cycle power projects, the official said.

The official said once these projects are fully operational, the CEB hoped to export the balance to India through the interconnection.

The project’s feasibility study was conducted in 2002 and the project would be funded by the both Governments with credit granted by the United States.