• Assures CEB plan for uninterrupted supply countrywide throughout year 
• Focuses on infrastructure resolution to complete ADB-funded Polpitiya-Hambantota transmission line

Dispelling recent speculation, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera has affirmed that there will be no imminent price revision on electricity. 

 The Government’s established policy decision is to revise electricity tariffs biannually, which are scheduled for January and July of each year.

 Taking to Twitter he announced that the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has planned for an uninterrupted supply of power countrywide throughout the year with no scheduled power cuts. “Currently full capacity of available power plants is in use for power generation,” he assured. 

 He also noted that a meeting was held at the President’s office on Sunday (6) with representatives from the CEB and the Irrigation Department focusing on devising strategies to maintain a continuous power supply while simultaneously determining the maximum volume of water that can be released for agricultural needs. 

 “Options related to ensuring a continuous power supply with no scheduled power cuts and the maximum water that can be released for agriculture will be shared with the Cabinet of Ministers yesterday (7). Details related to the power generation for the next 12 months, the release of water for agriculture, hydropower capacity, and thermal power options available will be shared and discussed,” he added. 

 Minister Wijesekera also said a notable subject was addressed in the meeting the protracted dispute involving the CEB and a landowner, which has impeded progress on the Asian Development Bank (ADB) financed Polpitiya-Hambantota transmission line. The 150-kilometre transmission line, pivotal in connecting the southern province, has experienced a three-month halt due to disagreements over the Government’s valuation of a 650-meter land stretch associated with the project.

 “To address this impasse, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has slated a crucial discussion on 11 August. If a resolution is reached, the completion of the transmission line is projected to take just four days,” he stressed.

 The Minister said the CEB has already paid 2,500 other individuals compensation on Government evaluation and completed the work in the 150 km stretch over those areas.

 

 

 

Water woes drive farmers to Human Rights Commission

Cabinet approves uninterrupted  power supply, water release proposal  from Samanalawewa reservoir