Lanka’s first LNG power plant will generate 200 MWs next year

by Ifham Nizam

The LNG Power Plant, which is being built at Kerawalapitiya, would add 200 MWs to the national grid by next year, Power Minister Pavithra Wanniarachi said inspecting the progress of its construction.

The 350 MW Sobadanavi Dual Cycle Power Plant is currently under construction. Work began in 2020.

“The power plant was proposed many years ago, but it was delayed due to various reasons. Now the work is underway and we will complete its first phase next year, that will add 200 MWs to the national grid,” she said.

The Power Minister added: “Its second phase is scheduled to be completed by 2024 and add a further 150 MWs to the national grid. All designs and constructions of this power plant are carried out by Sri Lankan Engineers”.

On Wednesday Minister Wanniarachchi participated in a special tour to inspect the construction work of Sri Lanka’s first LNG power plant being constructed at Kerawalapitiya.

The Minister also pointed out that not a single power plant had been built since 2014 to increase the capacity of the national grid. If such power plants had been built to meet the demand, especially during times of dry weather, the country would not be facing a power crisis today, she said.

Chairman of Lakdanavi Company U.D. Jayawardena, CEO M.J.M.N. Marikkar, Deputy Executive Officer Dhammika Nanayakkara and other officials accompanied the Minister.