CEB might get mandate to direct import fuel in future: Cabinet Co-Spokesman 

Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Mass Media Minister Dullas Alahapperuma yesterday said the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) might get the mandate to direct import fuel given the energy crisis.

“At the emergency meeting chaired by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa held on Monday, Petroleum Minister Udaya Gammanpila had stated he had no objection if the Power Minister Gamini Lokuge wants to import fuel directly for power generation purposes,” he said at the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

Minister Alahapperuma pointed out that it has been enacted by statute that only Energy Ministry and Ceylon Petroleum Corporation can direct import petroleum.

In the context of escalating energy crisis amidst depleting foreign reserves, he said that the $ 500 million Indian credit facility for fuel is likely to be explored if both Finance Ministers agree on it.

The Minister also said the initial payment to settle the dues amounting to Rs. 93 billion by CEB to CPC will be facilitated by the Treasury yesterday.

As the former Energy Minister, Alahapperuma called on the policymakers to practice energy conservation and be an exemplary leader with their actions.

“In this national crisis, as lawmakers we have to walk the talk than misusing the resources. I also urge State organisations to minimise the use of elevators, which is often described by energy experts as ‘power killers’ and maintain air condition temperature at 26 Celsius which is more energy efficient,” he explained.