Immediate steps to add 1000MW to national grid this year: Minister

Immediate steps will be taken to bring at least 1000 MW of renewable energy capacity onto the national grid this year in order to ensure uninterrupted power supply, Power Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said.

Addressing an event at the commencement of the construction work of the Cardiology Unit at the Ratnapura Teaching Hospital, she said that we should work together with the Indian government to build the 900 MW Sampur Power Plant and prepare a tender document, but it was not executed. 

"If the rain does not come, the electricity cannot be generated to meet the needs of the country. This is a big issue. I am presenting a Cabinet paper as per the President's instructions to strengthen the national power grid with renewable energy, "the Minister said. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)