Features | Sundayobserver.lk

One of the most debt-ridden state institutions to the government, Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) would see light at the end of the tunnel which could thus turn around the scenario with the commissioning of the Upper Kotmale hydro power project.

The CEB would be able to earn an unprecedented income of Rs. 5.8 billion annually with the commissioning of the project which was on paper from 1985.

The CEB had no option other than to purchase electricity generated by diesel since not a single power plant was built annually for the past several years which forced the CEB to ‘waste’ Rs. 6.23 billion annually.

However, the trend would see a reverse when the CEB will become a profit making venture with the Upper Kotmale adding 409 million giga watts per year. Minister of Power and Energy Champika Ranawaka said that the main reason for the Electricity Board for being in the ‘red’ is because of the gigantic amount they have shell out to pay for thermal energy generation.

The CEB purchases a thermal powered electrical unit for around Rs. 17. 58 and sells it to the consumer for less than Rs. 13. During peak hours CEB is forced to generate thermal energy for around Rs. 45.

With the Upper Kotmale CEB would be able to generate electricity for less than Rs. 2 and be able to save billions.

The CEB’s plight was due to irresponsible decisions of politicians who were never interested in this project for reasons best known only to them.

Had the project got off the ground at least five years earlier, as planned, the production cost too would have been 30 times less than what it is today.

In addition to political objections, environmentalists too raised major objections to the project. The main grouse was that the Upper Kotmale would resulting dry up Devon, St. Clare’s, St. Andrew’s and other minor waterfalls and streams.

“Today this has been proved wrong as both St. Andrew’s and St. Clare’s remain untouched while Devon gets plenty of water without damaging the original beauty of the falls.

The Project Manager, R.S. Wagaarachchi said that they also went a step ahead and relocated a rare snail. In addition the families that were relocated with over 70 percent living in line rooms receiving a house with all modern facilities.

A new school, the Urban Council building, a market and several new buildings were built at a cost of Rs. 5 billion in a bid to show government’s commitment to responsibility to the community.

As per provisions in the National Environment Act of 1998 the Environmental clearance was granted to the Upper Kotmale Hydro Power Project. The area was selected after analysing through several other properties. In the original plan a large reservoir project at Kelodonia area was proposed. In the second plan, a power plant at Talawakele with a small dam and a reservoir were added.

The construction work commenced on March 2006 and is expected to be completed by December 2011.

The project was implemented in several stages with the first stage focusing on resettlement. While over 400 houses were built and handed over and only 30 more yet to be constructed.

Further, members of the displaced families undergo professional training thus directing them to self-employments avenues. In addition, people who are keen to start self employment ventures will be provided with concessionary loan facilities and consultancy service facilities.

To improve education facilities, the Central College of Talawakele has come up. New buildings were built in place of affected temples, churches, daycare centres, playgrounds with other common facilities. In addition community centres, shop, cinema halls, libraries too have been constructed.

Under the second stage the dam, tunnel and an underground power house were built.

The dam is across the Mahaweli River (Kotmale Oya), the length being 180m and the height 35.5m. Over 80 percent of the construction is now completed.

The longest underground tunnel which was opened by the President last Thursday runs a length of 12.9 km and the diameter is 5.2 m.

For the first time in Sri Lanka the laser technology was used to draw this tunnel which is dig through a mountain.

The digging and blasting of the rock for the tunnel started from the middle and both the sides ganged up later. In addition another two holes were bored from both the entrance and at the finishing point.

The underground power house has 130 m long and 37m wide switch yard. The transmission line of the project is a 220 Kv line and 495 houses were constructed by the project for the displaced families. As per the policy of the project new houses was given to each and every affected families and also all the infrastructure facilities such as water, electricity and good access roads were provided.

Further, a 80m bridge was constructed across the Kotmale Oya at a cost of Rs. 77 million.

The Japanese Government (JICA) will provide a loan amount of JY 33,265 million while the CEB would pump in Rs. 5,931 million.

Apart from the project the construction of the Brodland Hydro Power Supply Project in Kitulgala area too would commence from November 17. The project will be completed by 2014 which would add 35 mega watts to the National Grid.

The agreement to this effect was signed between the Ministry of Power and Energy and a Chinese company recently.

The Ministry also received a project proposal for the Brodland Hydro Power Supply Project to the tune of US $ 102 million but was turned down as the Chinese construction company agreed to build the project for an estimate of US $ 82 million.

The environmental-friendly Upper Kotmale project when completed will promote the development of the country and most importantly the CEB to become a profit generating venture.

Milestones of the Upper Kotmale Project

1985-1987	- 	Feasibility study of the project 
1993-1995	-	Engineering study
1995-1998	-	Study of the external factors
2000 March	-	Final environment approval from Central
			Environmental Authority
March 2002	-	Cabinet approval for the financial arrangement 
March 2002	-	Signing of the loan agreement with Govt of Japan
August 2002	-	Cabinet approval for construction works
April 2003	-	Special Gazette notification issued by CEA to monitor the project
October 2003	-	Cabinet approval for the consultancy 
November 2003	-	Obtaining assistance from Japanese consultants 
January 2004	-	Objections from villagers and community leaders 
April 2005	-	Submission of new plans to Cabinet to respond to objections and Cabinet approval for same
September 2005	-	Commencement of construction work of the project
January 2007	-	Commencement of construction of the tunnel
August 2010	-	Completion of construction of 13km long major tunnel
November 2010	-	Opening of the tunnel by the President and for public viewing

Upper Kotmale to help reduce power tariffs