Artificial showers for the whole island today as a remedy for dry weather…………….

The pilot project targeting the catchment area of Maussakelle reservoir starts…..

Ministry of Power, Energy and Business Development has taken measures under the directive of the Hon. Minister Ravi Karunanayake to start a project on making artificial rains to minimize the issues related to hydro power generation under dry weather. Accordingly, Ceylon Electricity started the pilot project on inducing artificial showers in the catchment area of Maussakelle reservoir on 22^nd.
Sri Lanka Air Force deployed a Y-12 aircraft 8000 feet above Maussakelle reservoir to induce the artificial showers and chemicals were introduced into the clouds for 45 minutes in this task.

Agreement was signed to induce these artificial showers recently at the Air force Headquarters under the patronage of Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, Minister of Power, Energy & Business Development and with the participation of the State Minster Hon. Champika Premadasa, Dr. B.M.S. Batagoda, Secretary, Ministry of Power, Energy and Business Development representing Ceylon Electricity Board and Air Chief Marshal Kapila Jayampathy Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force representing the Air force signed this agreement.
Under the measures taken by the Minister In Charge to find stable solutions to prevent the issues annually faced by the power sector due to the dry climate in Sri Lanka , the project of inducing these artificial rains is with much significance. Accordingly, observing the success of the pilot project commenced today, Hon. Ravi Karunanayake advised the relevant parties to make arrangements to induce artificial rains in the coming weeks as well until dry weather will be left from the island.
Thailand government has agreed to provide technology to induce these artificial rains. Accordingly a team of Engineers from Thailand has commenced the project on inducing artificial showers on a request of Ceylon Electricity Board.