Hon. Minister of Energy, Eng. Kumara Jayakody, recently (27) conducted an inspection tour of
Randenigala and Rantambe Hydropower Plants.
The employees of the power plants warmly welcomed the Minister, and appreciated his visit, noting
that it was the first by a minister in charge of the subject in nearly 15 years. While having a
conversation with the employees, the Minister also paid attention to their problems and demands, and
explained the measures taken, especially by the new Electricity Act, to protect the rights and
privileges of employees.
He further stated that the Sri Lanka’s power sector should be modernized to be compatible with the
current social and economic conditions, and should ensure state ownership of the energy sector and
the hydropower plants, including the Rantambe and Randenigala power plants, and that such
measures have been taken through the Electricity Act.
Commissioned in 1988 and 1990, these two power plants can be regarded as valuable assets to our
country, provided under the assistance of the German government. The Rantambe Hydropower Plant
and the Randenigala Hydropower Plant will contribute a maximum capacity of 50 MW and 120 MW
respectively to the national power grid. Both power plants are known for operating with low
maintenance costs and low to zero breakdowns.
The Acting General Manager of the Ceylon Electricity Board Eng. W. Edussuriya, Engineer—In-
Charge of the Victoria Hydropower Plant (Main Dams and Reservoirs) Wasantha Ehelapitiya, Deputy
General Manager (Mahaweli Complex) D.M.R.K.B. Gunathilaka, Chief Engineer of Randenigala and
Rantambe power plants R.M.H.K. Karunaratne, Senior Electrical Engineer B.A.J. Kithsiri, Chief
Engineer G.I.D. Shantha and many other officials participated in this event.