Country dependent entirely on Norochcholai for power

by Ifham Nizam

The country would come to a standstill if a sudden technical issue occurs at any of the three power plants in the Norochcholai Power Plant Complex, a senior CEB official said, adding that almost all diesel powered plants were not functioning and the 163MW Kelantissa Power Plant Complex too would have to cease operations soon for want of fuel.

In addition most of the Independent Power Plants, managed by private owners were also running short of fuel.

Ranjan Jayalal, the Convener of the CEB United Trade Union Alliance told The Island that even CEB vehicles that monitored breakdowns and attend to fires were running out of fuel.

“We can at best manage for a few more days,” he said.

A Petroleum Corporation official said yesterday that a ship carrying 37,500 metric tonnes of diesel was being unloaded.

However, only 10,000 tonnes would be released to the CEB although it needed about 1,500 tonnes to operate its major plants for a day, he said.

Meanwhile, the electricity sector regulator, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka yesterday said power cuts of four hours and 40 minutes each would be imposed in most parts of the country today. Power Cuts of five hours and 15 minutes would be imposed some other areas.