No progress in lower Malwathu Oya project – PM’s Office

USD 160 mn to be obtained from Chinese banks

Lower Malwathu Oya multi sector development project hasn’t made progress whatsoever during the past decade, according to a statement issued by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena’s Office yesterday.

The statement quoted Anuradhapura District lawmaker S. M. Chandrasena as having said that there hadn’t been any progress though the first feasibility study was conducted during his tenure as Deputy Irrigation Minister over a decade ago.

The disruption of the project for want of funds was discussed on Tuesday (09) at a meeting chaired by Premier Gunawardena where a proposal made by Sinomach China CAMC for the revival of the project was taken up.

Premier Gunawardena has asked officials in charge of the project to explore the possibility of connecting lower Malwathu Oya project with Yan Oya scheme. The Premier has asked whether it would be possible to install large solar panel farm on Yan Oya with a view to sell electricity to the National Grid to raise funds necessary for the completion of the stalled project, the PM’s Office said.

The PM’s Office said that the company representatives at the meeting declared that they could raise USD 160 mn required for the project from Chinese banks (SF)