Over 32 projects to add energy

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

The Government has implemented 32 projects in respect of the power and energy sector during 2006 to 2010. The Government has allocated millions of funds for these projects including two atomic energy base projects.

The Kerawalapitiya Combined Cycle Power Plant Project has already been commissioned adding 300 MWs to the national grid. The Government has allocated Rs 36,823 million for this project.

The construction of Upper Kotmale Hydro power project is scheduled to be commissioned by December 2010 since around 70 per cent of the construction has been completed by now. The project will add 150 MWs to the national grid. The Puttalam Coal Power project is also a mega project which will produce 300 MWs by 2011.

Here too the construction is in its final stage. China has provided Rs 52,325 million towards the project. After completing the first phase the second phase of Puttalam Coal Power project which will provide another 300 MWs will commence. With the financial assistance of China the Government will allocate Rs. 102,465 million for this project.

In addition the Government spends Rs 12,528.26 million on rehabilitating three power stations. Under this Ukuwela Power Station (40 MW), New Laxapana (100 MW) and Wimalasurendra Power Station (50 MW) and Old Laxapana Power Station (50 MW) are being rehabilitated.

Under the infrastructure development programs connected to the power and energy sector several projects have been implemented. The Trincomalee Integrated Infrastructure Project and Colombo City Electricity Distribution Development Project are among them. The allocation for Colombo City electricity project is Rs 10,641.9 million while Euro 2.45 million has been set apart for the Trincomalee project. Both projects are in progress.

The Trincomalee coal power project is also among the major projects in power and energy sector. The coal power project will provide the national grid with 500 MWs. The Government has allocated Rs 56,000 million for the project.

Three projects for transmission line development have been implemented at a cost of Rs 11,717.12 million. Under this program the construction of Transmission Line from Kerawalapitiya to Kotugoda has already been completed while the Transmission line from Vavuniya to Kilinochchi will be completed by 2012. The construction project of of 67.2 Km transmission line from Kilinochchi to Chunnakkam will be commissioned by 2013.