The country lost revenue of more than five billion rupees over the years due to the delay in implementing the Upper Kotmale Hydropower Project, a senior officer attached to the project told the Sunday Times.
The project will be ready to be commissioned next year, but it was originally scheduled to be ready by the end of this year.
The project partly funded by the Japanese government has the longest underground tunnel which has a length of 12.9 km and a diameter of 5.2 m.
The Upper Kotmale Hydropower Project would generate 409 Gwh of electricity annually while its installed capacity is 150 Mw. The power is distributed by a transmission line of 220 Kv
495 houses were constructed for the families displaced as a result of the project. All the needed infrastructure facilities such as water, electricity and developed access roads were also provided to the settlements.
The displaced families are undergoing training for self-employment, while those who are willing to start self-employment ventures will be given concessionary loans and advice.
Talawakele Central College has been established to provide improved education facilities. Further new buildings have been constructed in place of affected temples, churches and day care centres. In addition a community centre, cinema hall and libraries too have been established.
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