By Maheesha Mudugamuwa The Ministry of Power and Energy has postponed the distribution of solar power generation kits under the Indian credit line to low-income households till the parliamentary election is over, The Morning learnt. The project, which was initially to be launched prior to the election, has come under huge criticism by election monitors as they urged the Government to stop the project. However, as per the election rules, the Ministry has decided to launch the project after concluding the election. Accordingly, the Ministry’s initial target is to distribute solar power kits to low-income households that has no electricity, which is around 12,500 in five districts, and it will later expanded to facilitate another 1.7 million samurdhi beneficiaries to which the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is currently providing electricity at cheaper rates. Under the Indian credit line, Sri Lanka should purchase solar power generation kits from India and the Government will be repaying the loan while enjoying several concessions. Minister of Power and Energy Mahinda Amaraweera claimed the project work began last December soon after India announced the $ 100 credit line to Sri Lanka to uplift the country's renewable energy sector. “Cabinet approval to go ahead with the project was received last week and the Ministry is currently working on the tendering process to purchase solar power kits from India,” Amaraweera told The Morning. As explained by him, solar generation would not be added to the national grid and would only be for the household use. Reaching 80% of energy requirements from renewable energy is one of the election pledges made by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and the solar power project is one such project launched to achieve the common objective of the Government, Amaraweera noted.