(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) –Work on the Uma Oya hydro power plant under the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project will be completed within next six months adding 230 GWh to the national grid annually.
Power and Energy Minister Mahinda Amaraweera directed the officials in the project to take steps to complete the project which has been halted on a temporary basis due to COVID 19 pandemic within next six months during an inspection tour of the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project yesterday.
The Minister said that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has informed the Cabinet of Ministers to gradually recommence all the development projects initiated by the Government and halted due to the spread of COVID 19.
The project was progressing slowly since the workers from Iran had left for their home country and are unable to return Sri Lanka due to the COVID-19.
The estimated cost of the project is US$ 529 million and 85 percent of the total project cost is provided by the Government of Iran through Export and Development Bank as a loan.
However, the project is being implemented using the manpower of local workers and when the Iranian workers arrive, it is expected to be completed within next six months.
It will provide water for agriculture and drinking purposes in Moneragala, Wellawaya and Hambegamuwa areas. Agriculture in the lower range of the Kirindi Oya Basin will also benefit from this water.
The Minister also stated that the work on the Uma Oya project will be a great solution for the power crisis faced by the country.
