Responding to a question raised by UNP Kurunegala District MP Nalin Bandara Jayamaha, the minister said the construction of all the phases of the coal power plant were scheduled to be completed and the power generated from it would be added to the national grid by December 31, this year.

Construction work of the second and third phases of the Norochcholai coal power plant was in progress on schedule, the minister said adding, that 900 Mega Watts of power could be added to the national grid as the building of transmission towers were being completed.

The Minister said that the establishment of a coal power plant was a mega project and there could be unexpected problems but the government was capable of finding solutions and to complete the task it had commenced. Compensation payments for the people who had been affected by the construction of the Norochcholai power plant would be fully settled by Dec 31, this year, she added. (HC)

Special Reporter