Umaoya project to be commissioned within six months

Minister Mahinda Amaraweera expresses optimism

By Palitha Ariyawansa  and palitha ariyawansa 

Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said he was hopeful that the hydro power plant in the Umaoya project could be commissioned  within six months. The minister said so  during a progress review meeting of the project and  pointed out that the project would add 120megawatts to the national grid a day and that it would save  Rs.15 million a day to the Ceylon Electricity Board.  '

The minister said the project implemented by an Iranian company, although required a group of Iranian workers for the construction works had been obstructed by the CORONA pandemic. He instructed the officials to focus attention on replacing them with Sri Lankan workers.  

He said Umaoya multi-purpose project would provide irrigation facilities to thousands of acres of paddy and Chena cultivation and meet the requirements of drinking water of a large population, hospitals and government institutions. Project Director Sunil De Silva, Deputy Project Director (CEB) Wijitha Weerakoon and Coordinator L.Y.Dayawansa and several senior officials of the ministry were present at the occasion.    

He said Umaoya multi-purpose project would provide irrigation facilities to thousands of acres of paddy and Chena cultivation and meet the requirements of drinking water of a large population, hospitals and government institutions