National program to conserve energy launched

The National Program on Efficient and careful use of electricity was launched at the Presidential Secretariat over the weekend under the patronage of Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka and Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga.

All public officers including those of Ministries, Provincial Councils and Departments are to join the program jointly launched by the Ministry of Power and Energy and the Presidential Secretariat.

The government has focused on seeking to alternative sources of energy based on solar power, sea water, wind and nano technology which are considered as environmental friendly sources of energy.

Addressing the function, Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said Sri Lanka was the only country supplying electricity 24 hours of the day.

He noted that 38 countries in the world are endangered of being submerged by sea water due to the environmental damages caused by the excessive energy consumption and to the global warming.

President’s Secretary Weeratunga has issued a special circular on energy conservation and its efficient use. The circular calls for the appointment of a staff officer for the management of energy at every state establishment.

Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy M.M.C. Ferdinand, Electricity Board Chairman Prof. Wimaladharma Abeywickrema and Chairman of the Sunithya Energy Authority Dr. Kithsiri Dissanayake were among those present on the occasion.