Iran’s Ambassador Hashem Ashjazadeh informed Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena that the Oma Oya hydro-electricity project has been completed and after testing of the reservoir and two generators of 60 Megawatt each, it could be commissioned later this year.
The Prime Minister, who visited Moneragala, Ampara and other areas in Eastern Province during the weekend to look into the issues faced by the farmers, yesterday (7) met 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.
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 release of water for irrigation could be commenced.
The Uma Oya Project will generate 120 Megawatt of electricity and will release 145 million cubic metres 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.
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.
Prime Minister Gunawardena thanked the Iran Government for the generous assistance provided to Sri Lanka during the economic crisis and for development projects.
Economic and Consular Section Chief of the Iran Embassy K. Soheil and Prime Minister’s Additional Secretary Mahinda Gunaratne were also present during the meeting.
