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CEB to start work on Upper Kotmale
By Shelani Perera
Despite the Government not officially giving its approval for the Upper Kotmale power project yet, the CEB is making arrangements to hold the foundation stone laying ceremony on August 15.

Acting Chairman of CEB M. Zubair told The Sunday Times that a project office has been set up and is in the process of recruiting staff. "We have to settle certain matters before we start on the project. At present we are identifying the families that will be displaced. Once these matters are disposed of we will ask the Japanese Government to send a consultant" he said.

Last week the committee appointed by the Government to study the project handed over its report to the Prime Minister, giving the green light for the project but stating that steps should be taken to prevent an adverse impact on the environment.

However, the Prime Minister has to give his approval for the project to begin. Meanwhile the CWC which has been lobbying against the project states that the CEB has no right to set a date for the laying of the foundation stone ceremony next month. "It was the PM who appointed the committee and he will decide what action should be taken on the findings, so it is not right for the CEB to say that the project will come through" CWC MP Yogarajah told The Sunday Times.

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