Iran to help build rural electrification scheme

Chaminda PERERA

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a memorandum submitted by Power and Energy Minister W.D.J. Seneviratne to launch a comprehensive rural electrification scheme with financial assistance from the Government of Iran.

Addressing the weekly Cabinet press briefing, Media and Information Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said Iran has provided US$ 95.5 million for the promotion of rural electrification in Sri Lanka and this project would boost the rural community.

"There are various areas that the Government has not been able to provide electricity and this project is aimed at providing electricity to such areas, the Minister said.

Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said Sri Lanka will get the membership of the International Renewable Energy Organization.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a memorandum forwarded by the Power and Energy Minister to obtain the membership of International Renewable Energy Organization.

The Minister said the country's renewable energy sector will see tremendous development after becoming a member of the IREO.

The IREO provided cutting edge technology and expertise to promote renewable energy sector in member countries, the Minister said.

The Cabinet also approved a memorandum submitted by Higher Education Minister Wiswa Warnapala to construct an auditorium and a gymnasium at the Sri Jayawardenapura University at a cost of Rs. 535 million. .

The construction is completely handled by the Central Engineering Bureau.