Broadlands hydro power project will preserve environment

Power and Energy Minister Pavitra Wanniarachchi said that the Government's prime objective is to provide electricity to all.

After end of war against terrorists, the demand for electricity has increased tremendously. President Mahinda Rajapaksa has instructed to expedite the supply of electricity to the people in the North and the East. The President has also directed the Ministry to pay special attention on the electricity requirements of the people engaged in small and medium scale industries in these two provinces.

The Minister was speaking at the launch of the construction work on the Broadlands Hydro power Project at Kithulgala last week under the patronage of Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa.

In the past, the country had to suffer many power cuts. After the UPFA Government assumed office, steps were taken to provide 24 hour uninterrupted power supply. Initiatives were also taken to set up hydro and coal power plants to meet the increasing electricity demand.

The Ministry could commence the construction work on Broadlands hydro power project which had been delayed for many years due to various reasons, she said.

The "Broadlands project has been designed in a manner to preserve the environment. The project would also help promote tourism as well. When President Rajapaksa assumed office, electricity had been provided for only 60 percent of households in the Nuwara Eliya district.

At present this has increased to 85 percent. When this project is completed, the total demand for electricity in the Nuwara Eliya district could be met. Therefore, I extend my gratitude to President Rajapaksa, Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa and others for their cooperation to make this project, a reality," the Minister said.

Public Management Reforms Minister Navin Dissanayake, Private Transport Minister C.B.Ratnayake, Sabaragamuwa Province Chief Minister Maheepala Herath and the Chairman of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council, Kanchana Jayaratne were present.