Power projects boost national economy

Anjana SAMARASINGHE

The commissioning of the Kerawalapitiya, Norochcholai and Upper Kotmale power projects, will reduce electricity charges on the long run and will be a huge boost to the national economy.

Speaking to Daily News Business President of the Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) Kosala Wickramanayake said the fast commissioning of the Kerawalapitiya thermal power station is a positive move in the local power sector.

“Sri Lanka needs this type of alternative power source to meet the energy demand in the country. As the business community, we are happy about the Government initiative to set up thermal power station and adding extra 200 MW to the national grid through its first phase. However the country needs to focus on the cost of energy generated through these sources and reducing electricity tariff in the country,” he said.

“Power sector reforms are vital for national economic development. Industries and consumers need reliable power supply at affordable prices. Uninterrupted power supply for affordable prices will help local industrialists to compete in the international arena,” he said.

“It is highly commendable that the Government was able to embark on mega power projects such as the coal power plant in Norochcholai and Upper Kotmale projects, which will be a huge boost to the national economy. The country also needs to pay attention to other renewable energy alternatives such as wind and solar power,” he said.

Managing Director of the Samson Rajarata Tiles Dr Bandula Perera said the ceramic industry has consumed a large amount of electricity for its manufacturing process.

“As an industry we are pleased about the Government decision on setting up thermal power station in Kerawalapitiya and implementing the project soon.

“We know that commissioning of the new power plant will not reduce electricity charges overnight. However it will take time to reduce electricity charges through these types of projects. Our industry could benefit in the long run due to these power projects,” he said.

Cement is another industry which consumes a large amount of energy. CEO of Holcim Lanka Peter Spirig said the opening of the new thermal power station is an excellent move.

“We need to increase electricity capacity in the country and increase the quality of the power sector. We also expect electricity charges will be reduced and blackouts will cease through these projects, he said.

Researcher of the Institute of Policy Studies Deshan de Mel said there is a 6% to 7% annual energy demand in the country. This is higher than the country’s GDP growth. Projects such as Kerawalapitiya thermal power station will provide solutions to the energy crisis in the short term. The total capacity of the Kerawalapitiya thermal power station is 300 MW and under the completion of the first phase of the project it will provide 200 MW of electricity generation.