CEB won't burden public - Minister

Ridma Dissanayake

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) will not burden the public even though it incurred a loss of Rs.68 billion last year. Increase in power generating costs, climatic changes and power piracy has also contributed in a negative manner to this situation.

"We will take measures to recover the loss incurred, but, not at the expense of the public", Power and Energy Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said.

The minister was addressing the CEB staff after assuming duties as the new Power and Energy Minister.

"The CEB is an institute which provides an essential public service. Therefore, earning huge profits is not practical in such institutions. Providing an effective, quality and continuous service is the main responsibility of such institutes like the CEB. But, measures will be taken to reduce the CEB's loss, "she explained.

"The electricity sector has gone through trying times in the recent past, especially due to climate changes and rise in global oil prices. prices. Hydro power is the most inexpensive power generating source in Sri Lanka. The country faced a prolonged drought last year, and we should pay attention to using cheap renewable energy sources. This will reduce power generating costs. The public too should be educated on following an energy conservation programme while stringent measures should be taken against power pirates," Minister Wanniarachchi said.