Construction of Norochcholai Plant will not harm residents - President

6th July 2009, Firstlanka.com

A combined force with the participation of clergy and the people living in the area are essential to implement the development projects in those respective areas and, all these sectors should work together to achieve the expected development goals, said President Rajapaksa.

President made these remarks while addressing the employees and the officials of the Norochcholai power plant during his inspection tour to the site of construction work yesterday (4).

The Norochcholai power plant, falls under country’s mega development projects initiated as envisaged in the President’s election manifesto ‘Mahinda Chinthana’.It will add 900 megawatts to the national grid after completion.

At the completion of the phase I, the power plant will generate 300 megawatts. The phase I is expected to be completed early next year.

Phase II and III of the project consists of two 300 MW power generation units each adding a total of 600 MW in the national power grid after completion of construction by 2013. The Government of China has entered into an agreement with the Government to undertake to construction work of the latter two phases with an estimated cost of USD 891.

President in reply to a query raised by a villager, assured that the construction work of this power plant will not in any way affect the properties or the normal lives of the villagers and the fishing community. President Rajapaksa further said the area encircling this power plant would be declared as a green passage.

He said that in line with the setting up of the power plant, the Government has also scheduled plans to develop the infrastructure facilities in the area where the renowned Christian Shrine, Thalawila was located.

Several dignitaries including members of the Christian clergy and Ministers were also present on the occasion with a large gathering of villagers.

Courtesy: Government Information Department