Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka says Sri Lanka has begun a study to build a nuclear power plant to meet growing electricity demand and is in talks with Russia and other countries to get technology and training. He made these observations at a media briefing held in Colombo recently.

He further said that nuclear power will be the best alternative to meet growing electricity demand.

Generating a kilo watt/hour of electricity under the existing modes costs a sum of 20 rupees. However, under the nuclear technology it would just be about 2 rupees.

The Minister pointed out that the crude oil deposits in the world would only last for about 40 years more, However the Uranium deposits would be enough for over hundred years more.

Therefore, nuclear energy can be considered as a long term energy source and the government is considering nuclear power as an option in the long-term generation plan.

Accordingly Russia has agreed not only to provide necessary raw material but also to dispose the nuclear waste back in Russia for recycling.

Meanwhile, India has been successfully carrying out experiments to use Thorium as an alternative to Uranium. This will also be a significant feature for Sri Lanka since 30 per cent of possible Thorium deposits are located in the sea bed around the island.

Minister Ranawaka also stated that this phenomenon will pave the way for establishing power and energy hub of Asia in Srilanka as well.

The Minister further stated that nuclear power can be utilised for development of many sectors other than power generation.