President instructs Public Utilities Commission to implement long-term power generation plan

President Maithripala Sirisena has given instructions to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka to take the necessary steps expeditiously to implement the long-term power generation plan for the time period of 2018-2037. 

The President has given these instructions during a meeting on swift implementation of the long-term power generation plan held at the Presidential Secretariat, Wednesday (25).               

The Ceylon Electricity Board has prepared the long-term power generation plan, including the details of new power plants which should be constructed during the time period of 2018-2037 to meet the electricity demand of the country. 

During the meeting, the President emphasised to the officials the necessity of prompt implementation of these works and further said that if there are obstacle to implement this plan, they should take steps to eliminate those obstructions by holding discussions.  

President Sirisena further said that when paying attention to the issues, due consideration should be given to public conveniences and take steps in a humane manner.

The President also requested the electrical engineers to halt their trade union action to be held on 8 May, based on professional issues. He urged them to plan swift implementation of long-term power generation projects. He further said that it is decided to discuss their issues at the Cabinet and to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion. 

Ministers Ranjith Siyabalapitiya, Sarath Amunugama, Sagala Rathnayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy, Dr. B.M.S. Batagoda, the Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board W.B. Ganegala, Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, Saliya Mathew, President of the Engineers Association of the Ceylon Electricity Board, Saumya Kumarawadu and other officials participated in this meeting.