Changes

In March it was reported that the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) was planning a 500 megawatt coal-fired power station at Ahuruwella near Induruwa on the south west coast with assistance from Japan. The news report stated that "the plant would use eco-friendly technology and funding is expected from Japan. Industry sources say funding has been requested from Japan but no decision has been made." <ref>[http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/news/Sri_Lanka_plans_500MW_coal_plant_in_South_West/92596143 " Sri Lanka plans 500MW coal plant in South West"], ''Lanka Business Online'', March 21, 2013.</ref> In May 2013 the Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity BoardCEB, W.P. Ganegala, announced that a 500 megawatt coal-fired power station costing approximately $US500 million would be established in the Southern Province at a location yet to be decided. However, this seems likely to be referring to the Ahuruwella proposal. The ''Sunday Times'' stated that while surveys were underway a location had not been selected. Ganegala stated that during a visit to Japan by Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa in March 2013 the Japanese government had offered to assit with the project. Ganegala stated that it was expected that work on the plant would begin in late 2013 and take 18 months.<ref>[http://www.sundaytimes.lk/130526/news/japan-to-build-coal-power-plant-in-south-46368.html "Japan to build coal-power plant in south"], ''The Sunday Times'', May 26, 2013.</ref>