Upper Kotmale project to add 150 MW to national grid

Colombo: Power and Energy Minister John Seneviratne at the inauguration of the foundation stone laying ceremony for concreting of the diversion Weir of the Upper Kotmale Hydropower Project, said the portal of the main head race tunnel which will span almost 13km through the mountain ranges of the Great Western and Pundalu Oya.

'The power cavern which by itself is formidable task is being excavated at Niyamgamdora, is proceeding smoothly and almost 80 per cent of the work is completed.

With the completion of this project we will be adding 150 MW to the National Grid this plant will generate 409 million units of electricity to the national grid.

Going by today's Cost of generation this will amount to approximately eight billion rupees worth of electricity to the country using the water of the Kotmale Oya, now flowing freely along the Kotmale valley,' the Minister said.

The energy generated will be from our own indigenous resources which will offset the requirement to use imported fossil fuel.

The hydropower resources are not only indigenous but also is renewable and clean. Please do not have any apprehension that this project would destroy the environment.

'I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the local engineers both at the Ceylon Electricity Board and other affiliated organisations who have all contributed very much to the development of this project and while I appreciate their services,' Minister Seneviratne said in conclusion.