The second phase of the power plant would be declared open by President Mahinda Rajapaksa today.

It would generate another 600 MW. The government was positive that power generation of 900 MW from the plant would avert a looming energy crisis, Minister Seneviratne told The Island.

He said that the work on the Norochcholai coal-fired plant had commenced in 2006 and the first phase had been completed. It was the first coal-fired plant constructed in Sri Lanka and would considerably relieve power consumers soon as the high capacity power plants, which depended on fuel, would be replaced by the Norochcholai plant.

Following the construction of the plant, there had been a rapid development of the Kalpitiya and Puttalam towns.

The infrastructure facilities had improved immensely. Highways, roads, electricity and drinking water facilities had also been upgraded.

Minister Seneviratne added that around 85 families who lost their lands due to construction of the plant had been provided with new houses and their welfare facilities had also been ensured.

The Wayamba Environmental Authority had implemented an Environmental management programme to supervise the operation of the Wayamba plant .

According to Power and Energy Ministry, the Chinese CMEC company has provided US$ 1350 million for the total project and around 3,000 direct and indirect job opportunities had been generated. The plant will replace all fuel-fired plants and electricity charges are likely be reduced by 2012.