China major stakeholder in Lanka's development

Wasantha Ramanayake in Norochcholai

China is a major stakeholder in the country's development process that has funded almost all sectors including power, highways, shipping and railways, said Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa MP at the traditional Chinese roofing ceremony at the construction site of the coal fired power plant in Norochcholai on Thursday.

The Senior Presidential Advisor said the ceremony strengthened and intensified the historical, cultural and religious relationship of both countries.

"China came forward to help Sri Lanka in crucial situations," he said. He expressed his gratitude to the Chinese people and the Government for their cooperation. The ceremony was attended by a group of Chinese monks from the Shaolin Temple including its Chief incumbent Ven. Shi Yongxin.

Power and Energy Minister W. D. J. Senevirathne said the Government has a power generation plan to achieve a generation target of 5,400 MW by 2018 to ensure efficient and affordable power supply to consumers.

Senevirathne expressed confidence that the first phase of the power plant would be operational by next year while the test generation could be started by next June.

The Minister added that the first phase would add 300MW to the national grid to cater to the increasing rate of demand.

He said the construction of the second phase of the plant would begin next October adding another 600 MW totally to the power generation to 900 MW.

The Minister said plans are under way to begin the construction of the second coal fired power plant with a generation capacity of 1,000 MW in Trincomalee with the assistance of the Indian Government this year.

The Minister pointed out that the Kerawalapitiya Thermal power plant had been completed which played a crucial role in averting any crisis situation.

He also pointed out that the Upper Kotmale Hydro Power project too would be completed by next year which too had been dragged for some time. Yang Wansheng, a board member from the Chinese Machine and Equipment Export and Import Corporation, the main contractor, said the plant is not only a land as viewed from the Indian ocean but also a landmark of the historical relationship between the two countries which would mark a new stage of cooperation.

Chinese Foreign Affairs Division Director General Gvo Wei from the State Administration for Religious Affairs of the People's Republic of China and Buddhist Affairs Minister Pandu Bandaranayake unveiled the Buddha statue donated by China.

Incumbent of the Shaolin Temple Ven. Dr. Shi Yongxin and Ven. Welamitiyawe Kusaladhamma Thera addressed the gathering.