http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=North_and_East_fully_electrified_by_end_2014_20130329_03

North and East fully electrified by end 2014

The government is to spend Rs.5,900 million to supply electricity to the Northern Province and all arrangements are in place to fulfill the total electricity requirement in the Mannar, Vavuniya and Jaffna districts by the end of this year. All electricity projects launched in the Northern and Eastern province are to be completed by the end of year 2014, Power and Energy Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said. Wanniarachchi was addressing a special discussion held with Commerce and Industrial Minister Rishard Badiudeen, Economic Development Deputy Minister M.L.A.M.Hisbullah and Wanni District Parliamentarian Hunaiz Farook at the ministry.

"The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) launched the "Uthuru Wasanthaya" programme in 2009 in two stages to provide electricity to the Northern Province who suffered over 30 years due to terrorism, 'she added.

"One hundred and eighty electricity transformers have already been installed under the first phase of "Uthuru Wasanthaya" and it has extended the electricity transmission lines up to 2028 kilometers at a cost of Rs.3,800 million," he said. "President Mahinda Rajapaksa has given instructions to complete this project by year's end and the Power and Energy Ministry has made arrangements to complete the "Uthuru Wasanthaya" programme which will cost Rs.2,100 million," the minister explained.

"The "Uthuru Wasanthaya" programme was commenced with the end of the humanitarian operation under the instructions of President Rajapaksa and guidance of Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa. We have already completed 70 percent out of the whole electricity project in the Northern Province while granting electricity to 45,000 families in Jaffna."

"At present, the electrification of the Mullaitivu district has reached 35 percent and electrification of the Kilinochchi district 40 percent," the Minister said.

The Minister also gave instructions to the relevant officers to take immediate measures to provide electricity to the re-settled families in the former war affected areas, according to the proposals made by Minister Badiudeen. She advised officials to complete these projects by the middle of May.

Courtesy : Daily News