New plant will add 35 mega watts

The first official ceremony to mark the commencement of work on the final power plant of Lakshapana complex was held yesterday at the main dam site in Polpitiya, Kithulgala.

This station which is to be built on the Kelani river in Lakshapana complex will add 35 mega watts of capacity, 126 million units of green energy to the main grid annually reducing 4%- 5% of power generated by thermal plants, Project Director Dr. Kamal Laksiri said.

The ceremony - a Bahirawa pooja to seek blessings for the hydro power station - which is a customary religious ritual was held under the patronage of Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka last evening. The construction of the power station is to begin in two months and complete by 2015.

Deputy Minister Premalal Jayasekera and Ceylon Electricity Board Chairman Vidya Amarapala were also present at the ceremony.

MF