Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera stated in Parliament yesterday (8) that by releasing water from Samanalawewa Reservoir for other activities besides electricity generation, the electricity produced from it will be completely stopped by August 16 and as an alternative, an emergency purchase of electricity will be made. The Minister also said that the necessary procurement activities to purchase electricity and prepare the wiring system from Polpitiya to Hambantota have been done. The Minister said that with the current weather conditions, it is not possible to produce even 3750 gigawatts of electricity and that electricity is currently being provided with fuel oil or diesel. Irrigation Minister Roshan Ranasinghe said in reply that Walawa has no other option but to take water from Samanala Lake and if water cannot be taken from Samanala Lake for irrigation purposes then the Kalu Ganga or Gin projects should be expedited. Minister Ranasinghe said that the Irrigation Department had requested this water on June 30 and he informed the Cabinet about this on July 17.

Source: Sunday Observer August 09, 2023 02:53 UTC