Power cuts: Engineers kept in the dark

By Ifham Nizam

Even senior Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) officials had been kept in the dark about the power cuts imposed yesterday, CEB sources claim. People in several parts of the country including Colombo experienced power cuts yesterday as well despite Power Minister Gamini Lokuge’s assurances that there will be no power cuts.

“Most engineers disagree with the Minister. They want a two hour daily power cut imposed till May. However, they believe that power cuts need to be properly scheduled and announced in advance to minimise inconvenience to the public,” a senior engineers said.

He added that he was not convinced that yesterday’s power cut occurred because two generators at the Kelanitissa Power Plant ran out of diesel. He said that 300 MegaWatts of power was lost due to the particular fuel shortage.

“Of course there is a shortage of fuel, but I don’t think Kelanitissa had run out of fuel. They are trying to preserve the limited stocks. This is not the way to handle the situation. We must be tell the people the truth.”

Engineers will study the situation in the coming days and take the matter up with senior officials of the power ministry. He said that power supply had been disrupted in strategic areas like Battaramulla, where there are a lot of government offices are located and it could not be taken lightly.

Meanwhile Additional General Manager Andrew Nawamuni, the Spokesperson of the Ceylon Electricity Board told media that two ships carrying diesel required for Power Plant had arrived at the Colombo Port. However, the CEB has to pay the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation to obtain fuel. “The Central Bank of Sri Lanka should take the necessary action,” he said.