This project which is estimated to cost Rs. 44 billion is funded by the Government of Japan and Ceylon Electricity Board. The construction of the project commenced in 2006. This concept of the project was first mooted by the Sri Lankan authorities in 1968 under the Mahaweli scheme. But this project was not implemented under the accelerated Mahaweli Development Scheme of the UNP Government.
As per the provision in the National Environment Act of 1998, the Environment clearance was granted to the Upper Kotmale Power Project. There were several objections to the project initially and they were settled by the courts of law. The project was implemented under five phases.
The Japanese Government provided a loan of Japanese Yen 33,265 million while the CEB makes an investment of Rs 5,931 million for the project.
It is targeted to generate 409 GWH of electricity annually by this project and the installed capacity is 150MW. The dam will be constructed across the Kotmale stream. The length of the dam is 180 metres and the height 35.5 metres. (Courtesy - Daily News)
