LSSP, CP opposition to scrapping PUCSL

The related news item in The Island of 14 Dec. refers to objections raised by the LSSP and CP on an order conveyed by the Secretary to the President to the Treasury, to scrap the PUCSL. It may be on the instructions of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and on representations made by the Minister for Power and State Minister for Renewable Sources of Energy on complaints made by the CEB.

Surely, the President could not have taken this decision on his own, but would have consulted the Minister concerned. Perhaps the CEB had explained the difficulties they face in dealing with PUCSL, to the Minister, who in turn had requested relief to run the CEB without any conflicts. With all due respect to the JVP, LSSP and CP, it is unfair for them to come to conclusions without knowing the inner working of the institution the CEB. I reiterate, the CEB has the cream of Electrical Engineers who are well trained in all aspects of Electrical Engineering, including Long Term, Least Cost Generation planning, taking into consideration, managing its own institution, National interest, consumer protection, political aspirations, and global international requirements. It is best to go into difficulties faced by the CEB with the PUCSL and remove those obstacles and make the PUCSL an advisory body by amending the PUCSL Act, if necessary.

As consumers, let us not be the victims of these differences. We also request Minister Dalas Alahapperuma to comment.

G. A. D. SIRIMAL

Boralesgamuwa