May 21, Colombo: Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority has initiated a programme to set up country's first ever major scale solar power plant.

A 50-acre land in Baruthakanda that has been declared as a Solar Power Zone in Hambantota has been selected to establish two solar power plants.

The capacities of the proposed plants are 600 kw and 500 kw. Renewable Energy Director of Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority Athula Jayatunga said to media that Japan would grant US $ 9 million for the 600 kw plant, while Korea will fund the 500 kw plant with US $ 4.5 million.

Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority is to develop infrastructure for both facilities.

A power supply of 1,237,500 kwh will be added to the National Grid after the generation of these two plants begin. They are also expected to save Rs 22.5 million of the annual expenses on fuel for the Ceylon Electricity Board.