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by Anura Maitipe

The construction work of the much delayed two power projects, Upper Kotmale and Norochcholai kicked off last week at a cost of US$ 660 million with financial assistance from the Japanese and the Chinese governments.

Power and Energy Minister W. D. J. Seneviratne, while participating at the launch of the Upper Kotmale project said the Upper Kotmale was the final source of hydropower in the country.

Therefore, coal power was the best alternative to meet the increasing demand of electricity.

The demand for electricity increases annually by eight percent. With the implementation of power project at Norochcholai and the Upper Kotmale, the country would be able to generate more power to meet the demand, the Minister said.

The coal power plant at Norochcholai is not a 'black devil' as was described by certain elements with ulterior motives. And with the completion of these projects, the present production cost of Rs 8.00 per unit will be reduced to Rs 3.75 per unit benefiting the consumer, he pointed out.

In addition, the Indian Government has already extended its support to construct a coal power plant at Hambantota and this project is also expected to commence this year, he said.

Over 498 displaced families under Upper Kotmale project will be relocated with new houses with other all household equipment in an alternate site within the close proximity of Talawakele town.

Another 78 families displaced under the Norochcholai coal power project will be provided with new houses with the same facilities to that of the Upper Kotmale families at a site within close proximity.

Under Upper Kotmale project, a new town will be set up at Talawakele.

The proposed town will consist of a new school, a bus stand, a cinema hall and a town hall. A road network from Talawakele to Pundalu Oya and Tawalamtenna will also be constructed.

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