The China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) donated a 100 kilowatt power generator to the Mihintale Rajamaha Viharaya, in a ceremony held at the temple premises last week.

The event attended by Power & Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka as Chief Guest, was held under the aegis of the Chief Incumbent of the historic Mihintale Raja Maha Viharaya Ven. Walawahengunawewe Dharmaratna Thera.

The Minister participating in the handover ceremony, held on the Medin Full Moon Poya day, said that this gesture by CMEC was initiated by a request made to the Government by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, and that the donation of the power generator would provide great service to thousands of pilgrims who visit the place of worship from across the country.  He also said that this donation by CMEC, the company who operates the Norochcholai coal power plant in Puttalam in collaboration with the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) would not only provide an uninterrupted power supply to the Rajamahaviharaya grounds; but was also in line with his Ministry’s plans to provide power to the entire Anuradhapura district before the upcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

The Chief Incumbent of the Raja Mahaviharaya, Ven. Walawahengunawewe Dharmaratna Thera speaking at the ceremony explained Mihintale’s historic value, as being Sri Lanka’s very first place of worship after Buddhism was brought to the country.  The Ven. Thera said “For years now I have been mentioning the need of a power generator for this place of worship to the many wealthy donors as well as Government officials who come here to worship.  But when I finally took the request to the CEB they made me a promise that before this year ends they will supply the need.  Just a few months from then several Chinese officials from CMEC met me to discuss the required capacity for the power generator required and today our need has been fulfilled.  It is important to state here that this not my need that has been met, but more of a national need as well as this being a victory for the world population of worshipers who visit us from every country.  This is a worthy initiative which has received the sanction of the Chinese Government.”

The Power & Energy Minister added that the current Government was on a mission to complete the tasks undertaken within the promised 100 day programme and that the Power & Energy Ministry intends to make Sri Lanka the only country which has electricity 24 hours a day across every part of the island.

A large delegation including General Manager of CMEC Shi Jintao, Deputy General Managers of CMEC Wang Lu Dong and Qian Haojun, Chairman of the CEB Anura Wijepala, General Manager, M.C. Wickremasekera and Assistant General Manager North Central, Priyasiri Gunasinghe participated in the ceremony.

Photo captions: (Above) Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka cutting the ribbon to launch the generator along with General Manager of CMEC Shi- Jintao, Deputy General Manager of CMEC Wang lu Dong and Chief Incumbent of the Raja Mahaviharaya, Ven. Walawahengunawewe Dharmaratna Theraand (below) the Minister initiating the newly installed Generator, along with the General Manager of CMEC Shi- Jintao, The Chief Incumbent of the Raja Mahaviharaya, Ven. Walawahengunawewe Dharmaratna Thera