Power and Renewable Energy Ministry to purchase emergency power

COLOMBO (News1st) - The Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy has submitted a Cabinet Memorandum requesting for a sum of Rs. 2.50 billion to purchase emergency power. Speaking to News1st, Media Spokesperson of the Ministry, Sulakshana Jayawardena said electricity has to be purchased in this manner from the private sector as a result of the prevailing drought conditions and the delay in the establishment of new power plants. Hence, he noted that 100 megawatts of supplementary capacity will be added to the system. Furthermore, he noted that the ministry is hoping to add the 100 megawatts to the system by April and that this will happen only for a period of six months.