Uma Oya hydro-electricity project to be commissioned later this year

The Uma Oya hydro–electricity project is set to be commissioned later this year and two of its generators will produce 60 Megawatts each, the Prime Minister’s office said.

Ambassador of Iran Hashem Ashjazadeh informed Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena that Oma Oya hydro-electricity project has been completed and after testing of the reservoir the two generators will be commissioned.

The Prime Minister met with the Iranian Ambassador and the Chief Representative Officer Nima Nikdel of FARAB, the company which implemented the Uma Oya Project to find out its progress.

Mr Nikdel said two inspection teams from the United States and Europe would complete the inspections within a couple of months so that the power generation, as well as the release of water for irrigation, could be commenced.

The Uma Oya Project will generate 120 Megawatt of electricity and will release 145 million cubic meters of water to irrigate 50,000 acres of dry land.

The electricity generated at Uma Oya will be transmitted through a transmission line to Badulla, where it will be added to the national grid.

Meanwhile Ambassador Ashjazadeh expressed satisfaction over the conclusion of the barter trade agreement under which Iran will barter trade crude oil for tea. The trade is expected to commence next month, the PM’s office said.

Prime Minister Gunawardena thanked the Iran Government for the generous assistance provided to Sri Lanka during the economic crisis and for development projects.

Chief of Economic & Consular Section of the Iran Embassy K Soheil and Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister Mahinda Gunaratne were also present during the meeting.