*Builders of existing coal plant – CMEC partners CEB *New plant will be extension of Norochcholai plant By Maheesha Mudugamuwa The proposed 300MW coal power plant at Lakvijaya in Puttalam that has received Cabinet approval will be a joint venture with the China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC), which has carried out the construction of the existing power plant on the nomination of the Government of the People’s Republic of China, The Morning learnt. Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Chairman Eng. Vijitha Herath said the investment would be 50% from each side and the CEB would most probably obtain a loan from a local bank. He told The Morning that the proposed 300MW coal power plant would be an extension to the existing power plant and would be constructed at the same premises. Therefore, both power plants would be sharing some facilities. The Cabinet last week granted approval to expand the Norochcholai facility to add another 300MW coal power plant to the existing facility and the CEB Chairman was authorised by the Cabinet to enter into the necessary agreements to set up the plant.