Ibbankatuwa solar power project suspended

By Kanchana Kumara 

The proposed solar power project in an 18-acre area of Dambulla Ibbankatuwa tank has been suspended pending further feasibility study. 

Director of the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority Nalinda Tilakaratne, told the media during the inauguration of an afforestation project in tank reservations, that the Board of Directors of the Mahaweli Authority has decided to conduct a survey of the progress of similar projects already implemented. He said the project undertaken by a private company has been approved by sixteen state institutions. 

He pointed out that how approval was granted by them to the project, and the public protest against it, would be considered before permitting it. 

He further said the re-permitting of the project would be considered in the light of the progress of a similar floating solar power project in Kiribbanara Chandrika wewa reservoir. 

Meanwhile Mayor of Dambulla, Wasantha Rajamanthri said he strongly protested against the project that would result in extensive environmental damage to the tank. He said a vast population in Dambulla, Kekirawa and Habarana areas depend on the Ibbankatuwa tank.