Power for rural sector begins in three months

by Ananda KANNANGARA

Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka yesterday said that providing electricity for 13 percent Sri Lankans in the rural and remote sectors under the `Lighting Sri Lanka' program will be commenced within the next three months.

The Minister told the Sunday Observer that this has been a long felt need considering the situation of nearly 13 percent Sri Lankan households who have never been provided with electricity.

He said that the program of `Providing Electricity for All' will be completed before the end of 2012.

The Minister said Pradeshiya Sabhas countrywide could play a vital role to make this program a success by identifying houses that need electricity.

He said that the Ceylon Electricity Board had already commenced major electricity supply projects including the 'Lighting Sri Lanka' Ratnapura Project, Kegalle Project, Northern Project, Batticaloa and Trincomalee Projects, Uthuru Wsanthaya Project, Ampara Project, Southern Province Project and the Western Province Project.