The 5 MW “Diyajanani” Floating Solar Power Plant, constructed on the Ibbankatuwa Tank in Dambulla under the Government’s national sustainable energy programme, was officially connected to the National Grid this afternoon under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Spread across 10.5 acres, the plant will generate enough electricity annually to power approximately 7,500 households, while reducing 6,440 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions and saving around 2.5 million litres of diesel otherwise required for power generation. Officials estimate this will save the country nearly USD 3 million in foreign exchange each year.
A notable aspect of the project, developed by Diyajanani (Pvt) Ltd, is that it was built entirely with the expertise of local engineers and technicians, providing employment to about 150 people from the surrounding community during construction.
Following the unveiling of the commemorative plaque, President Dissanayake inspected the control room and operations of the facility.
He also symbolically participated in several community welfare initiatives linked to the project. These included providing Rs. 800,000 and a generator to the Sri Vivekarama Temple for the construction of its Dhamma Hall, Rs. 2,000,000 to the fishing community for mud ponds and fishing equipment, and Rs. 1,000,000 to establish a green park under the Clean Sri Lanka programme. In addition, Rs. 800,000 was donated to supply all students of Anakatava Primary School with equipment and materials for the year, while Rs. 400,000 was allocated to Weera Mohan Jayamaha School for the implementation of a water project.
Several other welfare initiatives were also undertaken as part of the project’s community outreach. (Newswire)
