Indian PM Narendra Modi to break ground for Sampur solar project

• Project implemented as a joint venture between CEB and NTPC- India  
• He is expected to arrive on April 4 for two-day visit
• Power will be purchased at a little over five US cents per unit
• Interconnection of power grids between the two nations a key area of focus

By Kelum Bandara 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is expected to  visit Sri Lanka early next month will participate in the groundbreaking  ceremony for the ground mounted solar project in Sampur in the Western  Province, Daily Mirror learns.   The Indian leader is expected to arrive in the country on  April 4 for a two-day visit at the invitation of President Anura Kumara  Dissanayake. The President extended the invitation during his first  state visit to New Delhi in December, last year. 

Energy connectivity, including the interconnection of  the two power grids, is among matters envisaged in the joint statement  between the two countries issued after the conclusion of the visit.   
Emphasising the need for reliable, affordable and timely  energy resources for ensuring energy security and meeting basic needs of  the people, both leaders underscored the importance of strengthening  cooperation in the energy sector and facilitation towards timely  implementation of ongoing energy cooperation projects between India and  Sri Lanka. In this regard, the leaders agreed to: take steps towards  the implementation of the solar power project in Sampur and further  augment its capacity as per the requirements of Sri Lanka, according to  the joint statement.   
The Sampur solar project will be implemented as a joint  venture between the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and the National  Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) of India. The Cabinet clearance has  already been given for the power purchasing agreement. The power, to be  generated, will be purchased at a little over five US cents per unit. It will be a 120 Megawatt power plant.   
The Indian Prime Minister arrived in Sri Lanka for the  first time during first tenure in office in 2015. During that visit that  took place during the time of the Yahapalana government, he discussed  the need for the development of Trincomalee as a petroleum hub. Later,  in May, 2017, he arrived in Sri Lanka to participate in the  International Vesak Day celebration.