Norochchole to tide over the power crisis

(November, 24, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The Government of Sri Lanka is considering the possibility of accelerating the Norochchole Coal- Power Project, which is expected to add another 300 Mega Watts to the national grid. This is a move to meet the emerging power crisis.

The contract for same was signed by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and the National Machinery Export Cooperation of China in March 2006. China has loaned 455 million for the project, which is due to be completed in 2012.

Electricity supply to the Power Plant Site has been completed with the construction of a 1.73km 32 KV line and a 160 KVA Transformer. The extension of the low voltage lines near the Power Plant Site and the new resettlement housing projects have also been completed.

Meanwhile, the Government of the Netherlands granted Rs. 45,000 million with financial and technical assistance towards improving the Emergency Disaster Management Network in Sri Lanka.

This grant is utilized to improve the Emergency Disaster Management project launched by the Ministry of Local Government and Provincial Councils in 11 Urban Councils, five Municipalities and two Pradeshiya Sabhas.

In commencing this project, the Minister of Local Government and Provincial Councils distributed eighteen Ambulances, two Hook Arm Trucks and one Water Bowser with other necessary accessories among 18 local bodies at a function held recently in Colombo. Accordingly, the particular institutions will be able to start their own fire brigade units.

Subsequent to this grant, with the objective of accelerating the development activities of Eastern Province, a loan, amounting to Rs.22 million was provided by Local Loans Development Fund (LLDF) of Netherlands to be distributed among the representatives of Local Bodies of Ampara, Polonnaruwa, Batticaloa and Trincomalee districts for purchasing Motor Cycles for their official travel under the “Negenahira Navodaya” development program.