Hon. Minister Dullas wishes “May the electricity will be filled with the essence of natural gas at the moment of taking giant step of the modern power revolution..”

Hon. Dullas Alahapperuma, Minister of Power emphasized that tomorrow is a turning point in the power sector of Sri Lanka. Construction of the first Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) power plant will be commenced tomorrow with the participation of the Hon. Prime Minister. After the establishment of Norochcholai power plant in 2013, no other power plant which makes a considerable contribution to the national grid of my country was established. Today, we experience the repercussions of it. Only a less volume of Mega Watts was included by mini hydro power plants and solar power plants. This power plant could be introduced as the only power plant which is established in Sri Lanka after 2013, the first LNG power plant in Sri Lanka and a crucial turning point in the power field which gives relief to the economy of Sri Lanka which was based on energy of fossil fuel. The Minister gave his blessings for a power sector free of fossil fuel and filled with the essence of natural gas.

The LNG power plant in Kerawalapitiya which will contribute the national grid providing 300 MW to the national grid will be commenced tomorrow (05^th) by Mahinda Rajapaksa as a token of starting the development process making HE the President, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa’s policy statement “ Splendour of Prosperity” a reality moving towards a new direction of electricity sector beyond the traditional methods. The Minister expressed these ideas at a media conference held today (04^th) to make aware the media in this regard.

This new power plant with least impact on the environment will be established in Kerawalaitiya , Wattala in accordance with international standards. The most efficient “F” grade gas turbine which is installed in a power plant of this country will be established in this country. Kerawalapitiya power plant is a combined circle power plant and it has been scheduled to complete its works in two stages. 220MW of electricity will be generated and added to the national grid at the completion of the first stage. Within 21 months. In the second stage, more 130MW will be added to the national grid through a thermal turbine and it will be completed in 12 months. It is expected that this power plant will be a smart solution for the electricity demand of the country generating a total capacity of 300MW within the coming three years.

Hon. Minister Dullas Alahapperuma further expressed that “the discussion on LNG has started when the world has inclined on liquefied gas instead of hydro power. This came into discussion in our country around ten years ago. Several governments have focused on LNG with benevolence. However, no government could succeed due to some challenges.

The Minister paid his gratitude to the government headed by HE the President and Hon. Prime Minister and everyone including the CEB and LTL who supported to make this process a reality.

Hon, Duminda Dissanayake, State Minister of Solar Power, Wind and Hydro Power Generation Projects Development, Mr. Vijitha Herath – Chairman CEB, Mr. Nalinda Ilangakoon, Vice Chairman – CEB made their presence at this occasion.