Arrangements have been made to establish a Solar Power Garden in Barathenna in Hambantota District to generate low cost power with financial assistance from the Japanese and Korean Governments.

The project will be carried out in two stages. The first stage will be financed by the Japanese Government while the Korean Government will finance the second stage of development activities.

Japan has already provided Rs.1, 024 million for the first stage of work under which 737 KV of power will be added to the national grid upon its completion. Work relating to the construction of the first stage is expected to be completed by August next year.

The second stage of the Power Garden will be established adjacent to the first stage project in Barathenna and it will be jointly financed by the Korean and Sri Lankan governments. The Korean government will provide Rs.513 million while the government’s share will amount to Rs.111 million. This stage of the project will add 500 KV power to the national grid by early next year.

Infrastructure work related to this project for both stages is presently being carried out by the government. The implementation of this project would save emission of 963 Tons of Carbon Dioxide per year and 429,800 liters of Diesel per year.