Puttalam coal power project:

First phase to be commissioned on February 10

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

The first phase of the Puttalam Coal Power project which adds 300 MWs to the national grid will be commissioned by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on February 10.

The Puttalam coal power project is among the mega power projects that will produce 600 MWs to the national grid after the completion of two phases. The total project cost is US $ 891 million. China is financially assisting the project with Rs 52,325 million while the Government allocates Rs 102,465 million. After completing the first phase, the second phase will provide another 300 MWs.

The coal power project construction had been lagging behind until the present Government took steps to commence construction. Under President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s directive considering the ever increasing power demand, the project construction commenced in 2006.

The required quantity of coal for running the plant for a few months has already been imported from China. The second phase of the Puttalam Coal Power project is scheduled to commence no sooner the first phase will be commissioned.