Intensify conservation of energy: President

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday appealed to the masses to intensify conservation of energy through prudent and economic use as a responsible society.

“An upward revision in electricity tariffs was essential. The economy would collapse if we were to have gone on like this (without a revision). However, the revision hasn’t placed heavy burdens on the masses and I appeal to the people to pursue greater conservation of electricity and overall energy for the betterment of all,” the President said, during a breakfast meeting with editors.

Minister Basil Rajapaksa also appealed that households and industries must minimise electricity usage during peak hours between 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. “We have made the tariff high during the peak hours to minimise usage and encourage conservation,” Minister Rajapaksa added.