Sri Lanka explores possibility of obtaining power from India

Sri Lanka has decided hold discussions with Indian authorities to explore possibilities of directly obtaining electricity from India.

India is expected to release the US$ 500 million from its credit line granted to purchase fuel for the island nation soon, Finance Ministry sources divulged.

Sri Lanka and India will hold discussions on cross-border energy trade (CBET) between India and Sri Lanka, a high-level official of the CEB who wished to remain anonymous, told the Business Times  

This study build on several prior analyses have been conducted on a potential high-voltage direct current transmission link between India and Sri Lanka.

CBET, enabled by a 500-MW high voltage direct current transmission link, could generate annual production cost savings of $180 million and improve power system operations, he disclosed 

Generation from relatively expensive natural gas plants in Sri Lanka is displaced by lower cost imports from India, he added.

Meanwhile the Public Utility Commission Chairman Janaka Ratnayake said that a definite decision on power cuts in the country will be taken on Monday January 31. (Bandula)