A continuous supply of power can be guaranteed until the day after tomorrow, said Energy Minister Gamini Lokuge today (16).
This is mainly due to the reception of 3000 metric tonnes of fuel oil to the Kelanitissa Power Plant, the Minister revealed.
Lokuge added that a request has been made to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) to continue the provision of fuel for power generation until February 22 and that a special discussion will be held with the CPC authorities tomorrow as well.
If an agreement is not reached, a decision may be taken on the supply of power, he noted.
Lokuge also accused the previous government of incurring a considerable amount of debt from the Rs. 80 billion debt, which is due to be settled by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to the CPC, and murmured that he has to bear the responsibility of settling the amount now. More than Rs. 44 billion has to be recovered from the relief provided to electricity consumers amid the Covid-19 pandemic and the CEB may be relieved significantly from the financial depression befallen it if the money is received, he added.
The Subject Minister also expressed confidence that the generator, which was malfunctioned losing 300 megawatts of power, may be restored by February 22.
MIAP
