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37,814 families unable to access the Main Grid to be provided Solar Power Kits under the Gramashakthi initiative.
The Ministry of Power and Energy pointed out that in keeping with the goal of providing electricity to all by the year 2012, even the hazardous areas which are unable to access the main power supply chain will be provided alternate means of power supply through the “Grama Shakthi” program.
Concurrent to this program with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Renewable Energy Authority and the Ceylon Electricity Board a survey was conducted at district level to ascertain the number of families that are unable to access the main power grid. According to this survey the table below indicates the areas with households who depend solely on Kerosene oil as a source of lighting up their homes.
| Province | No.of families |
|---|---|
| Central Province | 2924 |
| North Western Province | 12,971 |
| North Central Province | 185 |
| Northern Province | 3133 |
| Eastern Province | 4887 |
| Western Province | 760 |
| Sabaragamuwa Province | 7678 |
| Uva Province | 5259 |
| Western Province | 17 |
According to the survey 37,814 families were identified as not being able to obtain electricity from the main grid. Hence the Renewable Energy Authority have introduced 6 solar power kits and subsequent to determining the power requirement of each of these families the most suitable solar power kits will be presented to them according to their requirements.
Concurrent to this program and in line with the concept introduced by the Minister of Power and Energy Patali Champika Ranawaka the “Viduli Athwela” program has proven to be a total success. Accordingly low income and Samurdhi recipient families were identified and loans of under Rs. 30,000 was accorded to them with payback stretched over 60 installments for them to obtain electricity connections by the CEB.
