Cabinet granted approval to a memorandum submitted by the Minister of Power and Energy, W.D.J. Seneviratne to select Galgamuwa Village in the Madulla Division, Monaragala District for the implementation of a rural electrification solar project implemented by the Government of Sri Lanka and to authorize and direct the Chairman of the Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA) and other relevant officials to provide a suitable land parcel free of cost and free from encumbrances immediately for the implementation of this project.
Implementation of projects on energy security was one of the commitments made by Heads of State during the 14th SAARC Summit in April 2008. To fulfill this commitment, the Government of India in consultation with the Ministry of Power and Energy has agreed to implement a solar energy electrification project in a rural area in Sri Lanka to provide electricity for about 300 households and 50 streetlights.
Cabinet approval was also granted to exempt customs duties, levying of taxes, of all goods and material and equipments imported for the project.
The technical inputs will be provided by the Ceylon Electricity Board for this project free of charge.
Accordingly a Memorandum of Understanding will be signed between the Government of India and Government of Sri Lanka regarding this project.
(Courtesy : Department of Information )