Sri Lanka Launches Second 220kV Underground Power Cable Project for Colombo

Construction has officially commenced on the second 220-kilovolt (220kV) underground transmission cable system connecting the Kerawalapitiya Grid Substation to the Colombo Port Grid Substation, marking another major investment in Sri Lanka’s electricity infrastructure.

The project is expected to improve the reliability of the national power grid while meeting the growing electricity demand in Colombo and surrounding areas.

US$52 Million AIIB-Funded Project

The transmission project is being implemented with a US$52 million financial assistance loan provided by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

The new underground transmission cable will extend approximately 16 kilometres, linking two of the country’s key electricity substations.

In addition to laying the transmission cable, the project also includes:

• Modernisation of the Kerawalapitiya and Colombo Port grid substations.
• Installation of advanced monitoring and control systems.
• Upgrades aimed at improving the efficiency and reliability of electricity transmission.

Existing Infrastructure No Longer Meets Demand

Deputy Minister Arkam Ilyas said the existing underground cable system, commissioned in 2019, is no longer sufficient to accommodate the rapidly increasing electricity demand in the Colombo metropolitan area.

He noted that growing power consumption in Colombo Port City and other urban developments has increased pressure on the existing transmission network.

Alternative Power Route to Improve Reliability

According to the Deputy Minister, the new transmission line will provide an important alternative route for electricity transmission.

This will enable maintenance work and emergency repairs to be carried out without causing major disruptions to electricity supply, improving the resilience of the national grid during unexpected system failures.

Supporting LNG and Renewable Energy Integration

The project will also strengthen Sri Lanka’s long-term energy infrastructure by enabling electricity generated from the Kerawalapitiya LNG power plants to be transmitted more efficiently into the national grid.

Furthermore, it will enhance the country’s capacity to integrate renewable energy generated in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, supporting Sri Lanka’s transition towards a cleaner and more diversified energy mix.

Officials say the project represents a significant step towards building a more reliable, efficient and sustainable electricity transmission network capable of supporting future economic growth and increasing energy demand.

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