ADB with Japan help Lanka improve power transmission

Feb 23, 2010 - The Sunday Observer Colombo

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Japan will provide assistance to the Government of Sri Lanka to improve the nation's power transmission system and to expand rural electrification, and thus will contribute toward the Government's goal of widening public access to electricity services from 80% to 98% by 2016. The Sustainable Power Sector Support technical assistance (TA) project is funded by the Government of Japan through the Japan Special Fund (JSF) that is administered by ADB. The JSF is extending a grant of $ 800,000 for the project while the Government of Sri Lanka will provide $ 200,000 in kind contribution for TA implementation.

"The technical assistance will utilize low-cost design and comprehensive feasibility studies for strengthening transmission system in the Southern, Eastern, and Northern parts of the country. It will also address rural electrification improvements including in the Eastern province," said Mukhtor Khamudkhanov, Senior Energy Specialist of ADB's South Asia Department.

"Power sector development will be critical to Sri Lanka's post war development. We hope this project will lend strong support to the Government of Sri Lanka in addressing a number of urgent priorities in the power sector, particularly in driving crucial improvements in energy efficiency, reliability and access to meet the country's rapidly growing demands, "said Richard Vokes, Country Director of ADB's Sri Lanka Resident Mission.

Published by HT Syndication with permission from Sunday Observer (Sri Lanka). For more information on news feed please contact Sarabjit Jagirdar at htsyndication@hindustantimes.com