Minister appeals to consumers to use electricity frugally

By Cyril Wimalasurendre

KANDY – Sri Lanka was the only country that regularly supplied electricity without interruption despite the Electricity Board having suffered losses while many countries in the neighbourhood had imposed daily power-cuts, said power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka inaugurating the supply of power, to Sri Dalada Maligawa from the refurbished electricity supply project.

The improving of the electricity supply system has cost Rs. 10 million and the power is now supplied to the environs of the sacred temple by an underground cable system.

Minister Ranawaka said that his ministry and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) treated as a national responsibility the provisions of illuminations to most sacred places like Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, Atamatananaya in Anuradhapura and Solosmastanaya in Polonnaruwa.

Eighty percent of the electricity available in Sri Lanka was still generated by hydro power. Despite heavy loss Sri Lanka had not imposed any power cut though many countries in the region have resorted to that, the minister noted.


He said Tamil Nadu alone imposed an eight-hour power-cut daily. Some countries stopped supplies for two days a week while countries like Nepal imposed a 16-hour power cut a day.

Even the most developed countries inclusive of Japan were compelled to clamp power cuts, he said.

If the people of Sri Lanka wish to avert power cuts they should use it sparingly. The people should consume minimum power, the minister proposed.

Frugal use of electric fans, escalators and refrigerators would save a major part of the power generated, the minister added.

Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela expressed his appreciation to Minister Ranawaka and the CEB for the excellent job of completing the project to illuminate the environs of the most venerable shrine.

Most Ven. Anunayake of Malwatte Dimbulkumbe Wimaladhamma thera presided.

Project and Media Director of the Sri Dalada Maligawa Krishantha Hisella also spoke.

Officials of the CEB, Basnayaka Nilames and Senior DIG, H. N. B. Ambanwala were among those present.

Central Provincial Council Member Thushara Swarnatilake accompanied Minister Ranawaka.

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