COLOMBO (News 1st): No power-cuts from April 11, according to Minister of Power, Energy, and Business Development Ravi Karunanayake. He says that there is a possibility to purchase 500MW at a price of Rs. 25 per unit.

“From 10th April in the night, after the night is over, that means from the 11th there will be no power cuts at all. But that does not mean the problem is over,” said Minister Ravi Karunanayake.

According to the Minister, the price of electricity purchased from floating power plants is lesser than the cost of generating electricity at the Ceylon Electricity Board. However, he urged the public to continue to conserve electricity, saying “every single light that you switch off in the house, will help to either reduce the loss of CEB or at least provide electricity to another house.”

The minister also dismissed rumors on a power cut during Vesak. “Being a Buddhist in a Sinhala country, that will not be the case. We are not insensitive. We will ensure that this Vesak will be the best one that’d have the most number of dansals and pandals and ensure that this will be a time not be forgotten with all the problems that we are able to have an uninterrupted power supply.” – he stated.

Addressing corruption

UPFA MP Johnston Fernando told the media that there are other high ranking officials behind the power-cuts and that they should be punished. The MP stated that if Batagoda has robbed, and supported by others, their phone numbers can be checked and investigated on who held discussions regarding the matter and how the power crisis took place.

“They say that the power will be restored by the 10th. But no one speaks about those who stole from this.”  he added.

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