The power station consists of two generation units, a GEPG9171E gas turbine with a nameplate capacity of 115 MW, and a 57 MW steam turbine manufactured by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited.

The low-sulfur diesel is supplied through an existing pipeline by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, with 20,000 tons, or the equivalent of 28-days of full capacity operations, stored in case of any fuel shortage.

After the 1996 power crisis, in the midst of the Sri Lankan Civil War, the Government of Sri Lanka decided to invite IPPs to the country to increase the installed capacity.

[4][5] Construction of power station commenced after the signing of EPC on 15 July 2000, and the combined cycle unit was installed on 8 February 2003.

[5] In 2004, fire broke out at Sojitz Kelanitissa Power Station.