construction work on Upper Kothmale project complete.

The Ministry of Power and Energy stated that the Power Generators are currently being installed at the upper Kothmale Hydro Power Station.

Through the largest completed Hydro Power station in Sri Lanka an approximate 1 million 409units of power generation is expected. The Ministry of Power and Energy stated that at present 79% of construction work has been completed.

Under this project turbines, Transformers and switched yards equipment have been installed. Machinery parts for this purpose was imported from Japan and installed under the guidance of a Japanese contractor. The Ministry of Power and Energy further pointed out that 220 Kw of switched yard at the Upper Kothmale Hydro Power station needs to be expanded, it is estimated to cost Rs. 585 million.

Under the Japanese Governments Foreign Development aid initiative, The Japan International Corporation Agency has provided a concessionary Loan of Rs. 34 Billion for this project with a grace period of 10 years and payable in 4 years. In addition to the foreign loan the Ceylon electricity board has invested Rs. 10 billion for this project. While the initial feasibility study on the Upper Kothmale project commenced in 1985 with the assistance of the Japanese Government, Environmental approval was granted in 1988. But the project which had stalled for various reasons was recommenced in 2006 under the guidance of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. As a solution to future power inadequacies, this project will add 150 MW to the National Grid, and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2011 under the guidance and supervision of the Minister of Power and Energy Patali Champika Ranawaka.