Two mega power plants for Trinco

Saturday, 8 September 2012 00:21 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Power and Energy Ministry has planned to build two mega power plants in Trincomalee District, under Government’s programme to develop Trincomalee as the fourth industrialized region in the country, Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said.

The Minister was addressing a public gathering where a mobile power service was provided for the public at Agrabodhi Maha Vidyalaya Kanthale, after the inauguration of eight power schemes, which will cost Rs. 64 million. The power schemes will benefit around 775 families of Padavi Sripura, Gomarankadawala, Morawewa, Kanthale, Seruwila and Thambalagamuwa.

“Eighty percent of the Trincomalee District has been provided with electricity and the balance 20 percent will also be provided lights before year’s end,” he said.

“The Government earlier planned to electrify the entire country by 2017, we have advanced the date as the country is experiencing a development boom,” the Minister said.

“Though the entire process of supplying power to a single domestic unit cost higher, the Government bears the loss and provides electricity at a cheaper rate. We, during last few years, relaxed the rules that obstructed the provision of power to household customers. In addition, we also provided a loan of Rs.30.000 for the poorest families to receive electricity facilities,” the Minister further stated.