The Cabinet has granted approval to award a 50 MW wind power plant project in Mannar to local Renewable Energy (RE) company Hayleys Fentons at a cost of US cents 4.65 per unit, The Sunday Morning learns. 

Following this approval, a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is expected to be signed between Hayleys Fentons and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) within a month.

CEB Chairman Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya explained that the evaluation process for the wind farm had initially begun under the previous administration. 

After an appeals process, Hayleys Fentons had emerged as the lowest bidder. 

Although the company was initially disqualified due to technical reasons, it had submitted a bid of US cents 4.88 per unit. 

During the appeal, Hayleys Fentons had reduced its bid to the new, lower price of US cents 4.65, securing the contract.