Sri Lanka gets ADB, Japan help to improve electricity services

Feb 17, 2010 (LBO) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Japan will provide support to Sri Lanka to improve its power transmission system and expand rural electrification, an ADB statement said. It is also expected to reduce poverty by improving access to electricity in rural areas, and enhance energy efficiency and renewable energy development, which will contribute to environmental sustainability, he said.

The technical assistance will use low-cost design and comprehensive feasibility studies for strengthening transmission system in the Southern, Eastern, and Northern parts of the country, said Mukhtor Khamudkhanov, Senior Energy Specialist of ADB’s South Asia Department.

It will also address rural electrification improvements including in the Eastern province."

This will contribute toward the Sri Lankan government's goal of widening public access to electricity services from 80 percent to 98 percent by 2016.

"Power sector development will be critical to Sri Lanka's post war development, said Richard Vokes, Country Director of ADB's Sri Lanka Resident Mission.

We hope this project will lend strong support to the government in addressing a number o