Sunday Jan 05, 2025
Sunday Jan 05, 2025
Tuesday, 8 August 2023 01:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
In a significant move, the Cabinet of Ministers approved yesterday to ensure an uninterrupted supply of electricity countrywide, whilst releasing the maximum water levels possible from the Samanalawewa reservoir.
Taking to Twitter Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said the proposal on a comprehensive strategy to maintain power generation while simultaneously managing water resources from the Samanalawewa reservoir submitted by his Ministry was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers yesterday evening.
Under the approved proposal, the Power and Energy Ministry has charted a meticulous timeline for releasing water from the Samanalawewa reservoir. As per the Minister, from 8-10 August, a daily release of 3.5 million cubic meters (MCM) of water will be executed, facilitating the generation of optimal hydropower output.
Subsequently, from 11-15 August, the water release rate will be adjusted to 2.5 MCM per day, again maximising hydropower generation capabilities.
As a strategic measure aimed at preserving the dam’s vital dead storage water he said on 16 August the Samanalawewa reservoir will be temporarily shut down for power generation.
The Minister said the proposal underscores the commitment to continued uninterrupted power supply countrywide, even after the closure of the Samanalawewa power plant on 16 August.
To address potential challenges arising from this shift, he said the Government has put forth a two-pronged strategy.
Firstly, to resolve any potential disputes and enhance the power transmission network, the Polpitiya-Hambantota transmission line will be connected by 20 August, facilitating seamless electricity distribution. Secondly, the Government aims to procure supplementary power from available power plants by 15 August, boosting the country’s energy reserves and ensuring a smooth transition during this critical period.
