October 16, Colombo (LNW):Addressing the Ministry of Energy’s progress review meeting this morning (15), President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized the need to structure and expedite projects aimed at achieving the energy sector’s goals over the next three years.
The President highlighted the importance of the energy sector in Sri Lanka, likening its prominent role to that in other nations, and stressed that the Ministry of Energy is a significant revenue generator. He acknowledged societal discussions about potential irregularities due to the sector’s substantial earnings.
Dissanayake stated that the public had voted with high expectations during the recent presidential election, and he is committed to fulfilling the mandate entrusted to him. He noted that dissatisfaction with the old political culture, economic challenges, and inefficiencies in public service led to the public placing their trust in a new political tradition.
The President also expressed the public’s belief that corruption, fraud, and mismanagement have been major contributors to Sri Lanka’s economic collapse. He reaffirmed his commitment to eliminating these issues and urged public servants to fulfill their responsibilities with integrity.
He further emphasized that public wealth must be protected with the same reverence as religious property, stating that no one has the right to misuse it through fraud or corruption. Dissanayake underscored the necessity of a committed and accountable public service to achieve the goals of his administration, assuring that his political leadership team will provide the required guidance.
The President also made it clear that he supports all public actions taken in the national interest within official boundaries, and that any improper acts will be met with decisive action.
The meeting included a comprehensive review of ongoing and upcoming energy sector projects, with discussions focusing on how to meet targets over the next three years while providing both short-term and long-term relief to the public.
Key officials who participated in the meeting included Professor Udayanga Hemapala, Secretary of the Ministry of Energy; Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya, Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board; Engineer K.G.R.F. Comester, General Manager of the Ceylon Electricity Board; and Janaka Rajakaruna, Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited.
