LNP – Indian PM Narendra Modi to break ground for Sampur solar project

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is expected to visit Sri Lanka early next month will participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for the ground mounted solar project in Sampur in the Western Province.

The Indian leader is expected to arrive in the country on April 4 for a two-day visit at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.Â

The President extended the invitation during his first state visit to New Delhi in December, last year.

Energy connectivity, including the interconnection of the two power grids, is among matters envisaged in the joint statement between the two countries issued after the conclusion of the visit.

Emphasising the need for reliable, affordable and timely energy resources for ensuring energy
security and meeting basic needs of the people, both leaders underscored the importance of
strengthening cooperation in the energy sector and facilitation towards timely implementation of ongoing energy cooperation projects between India and Sri Lanka.

In this regard, the leaders agreed to: take steps towards the implementation of the solar power project in Sampur and further augment its capacity as per the requirements of Sri Lanka, according to the joint statement The Sampur solar project will be implemented as a joint venture between the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) of India.

The Cabinet clearance has already been given for the power purchasing agreement. The power, to be generated,will be purchased at a little over five US cents per unit. It will be a 120 Megawatt power plant.The Indian Prime Minister arrived in Sri Lanka for the first time during first tenure in office in 2015.Â

During that visit that took place during the time of the Yahapalana government, he discussed the need for the development of Trincomalee as a petroleum hub. Later, in May, 2017, he arrived in Sri Lanka to participate in the International Vesak Day celebration.