Sampur 500 Acres of Land Taken for Coal Power Project Won’t be Given back to Owners?

 

JVP MP Wimal Ratnayake has raised a question in Parliament yesterday. He said, that the land taken over to establish Coal power project has not been returned to its owners though the Sampur Coal power was abandoned. Further, he said owners of this land were forced to stay in Kilivetti refugee camp. Wimal ask the Minister in charge of power and renewable energy, Ajith Perera whether steps will be taken to enable refugees to go back to their homes, which was taken over for Coal power project. In reply Ajith Perera said, Sampur Coal power agreement was signed in the year 2006. This project was under taken by the CEB with Indian M.D.P.C organization. According to the agreement this project was scheduled to be completed in 2017. But due to various problems and issues raised, the current Government has set aside this project. Although this 500 acres land was fenced on four sides, land remains unutilized.  Government is considering establishing liquid natural gas, solar power project utilizing this facility.

Although this project is abandoned, the office is continued to be maintained. Indian help to us is very important. Visiting Srilanka PM will hold talks in this connection with the Indian counter parts during this visit?