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Coal-fired power plant construction to be expedited

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and the National Thermal Power Corporation (NPTC) are exploring the possibility of expediting the construction of 500 MW coal fired power plant in Trincomalee, Power and Energy Ministry official said. Power and Energy Minister W.D.J. Senevirathne held discussions with Indian Commerce Minister Jairam Ramesh in this regard in Colombo recently. CEB and NTPC officials will visit the proposed site at Nilaveli, Trincomalee in the coming weeks, the official said. Senevirathne said a new jetty would be constructed close to the site and the Trincomalee Town would also be developed under the project. Indian Minister Ramesh had assured that India would provide assistance to develop the energy sector. He said India would expedite construction of the India-Lanka inter-transmission line through which India hopes to export electricity to Sri Lanka at cheaper rates. The minister said India would assist in the development of renewable of energy such as wind and solar power. Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Alok Prasad expressed willingness to assist in the rural village electrifying project in the Eastern Province.