24 March 2016 04:02 am
He is currently visiting Japan on the invitation of the Japanese Government and told Daily Mirror by phone that it would be a high efficiency coal-fired power generation project.
The deputy minister said the Japanese investment would be in addition to the proposed coal-fired project in Sampur on a joint venture with India.
However, he said he could not provide further details on the proposed project with Japan.
“We have to identify a suitable location for the project,” he said.
In January, Japan agreed with India to support the introduction of high-efficiency coal-fired power generation and renewable energy technology.
The deputy minister said Japan would invest heavily in the development of urban transportation in Sri Lanka.
“It is actually urban mass transportation. I cannot give exact details at the moment. In addition Japan will invest in the airport expansion project. Japan which has a positive attitude towards Sri Lanka will provide funding in a manner that will not be a burdan to the Sri Lankan Government,” he said.
The Norochcholai Coal-Fired power plant located in Puttalam generates 900 megawatts of electricity. (Kelum Bandara)