Minister thanks China

Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka yesterday paid special tribute to the Chinese Government which came forward in assisting the Government to avert a possible power crisis in the country.

Addressing the launch of the first phase of the Lak Vijaya coal power plant in Puttalam the Minister said China is a friend in need. The Chinese Government always comes to the assistance of Sri Lanka, the Minister said.

He thanked the Chinese engineers and officials of the Chinese Company who showed real commitment and dedication to complete the first phase of the Lak Vijaya coal power plant one year in advance.

The Minister said the project was to be completed in 2012 but the dedication and commitment showed by the officials and the workforce helped complete the project one year in advance.

The Minister added that each and every household in the country will get electricity within next two years under the Vidulamu Sri Lanka program.

The Minister added that Ceylon Electricity Board has started making profits. He said that the Government will make use of all resources available for power generation.

He said the bottom ash emitted by the Lak Vijaya coal power plant is used for the manufacturing of cement and the water emitted by the power plant is purified before released to the environment. (CP)