Without UNP’s hydro power projects situation may be worse: Karu

24 April 2013 01:26 pm - 10 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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UNP parliamentarian Karu Jayasuriya said today if not for hydro power plants constructed by the UNP which generates about 30%-40% hydro power free of charge, the situation would have been worse today.

“Now the government has started to blame the UNP for the electricity tariff hikes just as they accused the Diaspora when something arose concerning international matters and accused the finance ministry secretary when there is a financial crisis in the country,” he said.

Mr. Jayasuriya told a news conference that when the UNP took over the country in 2001 there was a grave electricity crisis in the country with eight-hour power cut was inflicted but the UNP was able to solve it due to proper management.

“In my tenure as the Power and Energy Minister, we had effective plans to develop the ministry. Some accused us of trying to privatise the ministry. We managed to complete the Kukulegaga project successfully and had begun the construction work of the Upper Kothmale on a loan obtained under reasonable conditions when our government was dissolved. We had planned to shift the Norochcholai coal power plant to Hambantota according to experts’ advice and Japan had promised to grant us a loan on reasonable conditions. Government must take the responsibility for the Norochcholai coal power plant,” he added.

Mr. Jayasuriya said Public Utility Commission was initiated not to burden the people but to mete out justice to the people by paying heed to their grievances. (Yohan Perera, Ajith Siriwardana)

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Comments - 10

Calistus Jayatilleke Wednesday, 24 April 2013 03:59 PM

Yes, very true - unlike this government's much hyped "always breakdown" Chinese plant in Norochcholai. But, strange enough, the people only seem to appreicate these break-down projects of the current government due to being brain-washed daily through government controlled media.

bhumi Wednesday, 24 April 2013 09:08 PM

Karu was the one who said we will not build Norochcholai because UNP had given a pledge to Bishop of Chilaw. At that time Trinco was not feasible to build because of terrorist threats. If Norochcholai was not build half the country today would have been in dark today. Karu should remember the past. If not for present Govt who took bold steps to construct Norochcholai and Upper Kotmale despite Thondamans opposition, things would have been worse

Mutu Wednesday, 24 April 2013 10:25 PM

Very true. Further situation would not have been so bad if there were no corruption in the Petroleum Corporation and other relevant organisations.

Dammika Thursday, 25 April 2013 03:53 AM

But no success ... yes this Govt did with Chinese. Still keeps on breaking it down

piss Thursday, 25 April 2013 04:08 AM

There was JICA loan available for Norochchole for 5 years. This government throne it away and awarded to China for 10% upfront commission. Now we are suffering having a substandard plant.

khkhader Thursday, 25 April 2013 04:51 AM

Karuwala Jayasooriya said so....

Kondebedapucheena Thursday, 25 April 2013 05:34 AM

Karu gave up Upper kotmale due to opps of THONDA

Roshan Thursday, 25 April 2013 06:20 AM

Karu Jayasooriya is a master planer for developing this country, So we allow Karu and Sajith to develop this country becoz they are the the people we need for future but not MR or RW.

Arundathie Thursday, 25 April 2013 06:25 AM

Karu hitiyanam apita hamadama hiru!

piss Thursday, 25 April 2013 03:49 PM

Karu was the minister who awarded the 1st contract of upper kotmale in2002. Now MR is getting the credit.

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Without UNP’s hydro power projects situation may be worse: Karu

Comments - 10

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