Mannar, Madurai identified as Indo-Lanka grid connectivity points

By Kelum Bandara  

Mannar in north-western Sri Lanka and Madurai in southern India have been identified as the connecting points of the proposed electricity transmission line between the two countries, a source familiar with the process said.  

The detailed report has almost been finalized to be considered by the working group headed by the power secretaries of the two countries.   

The grid connectivity has been an idea mooted as far back as 2003, but tangible work has been done only now.  

The project is envisaged in the joint statement issued after the conclusion of the visit of President Ranil Wickremesinghe in recent times.  
According to the source, the total distance of the proposed power line will be 280-300 kilometres unless the identified connecting points are not altered later. The Sri Lankan side has kept both undersea cables and overhead lines optional in the execution of the project.  

According to the initial estimate, it is likely to cost more than US $ 400 million.  

“This is according to the latest prices which we took into account. It might change later depending on fluctuations. The cost will be higher if undersea cables are used,” he said.