National United Republic Front Leader Patali Champika Ranawaka has warned of the first ‘post-election blow’ that the public would face due to the government’s recent measures taken with regard to solar power generation.
He has said this during a media briefing held in Rajapihilla, Kandy.
Ranawaka pointed out that the Sampur power plant project has a 20-year history, which was first initiated in 2004 under President Chandrika Kumaratunga but delayed due to the war. Former President Maithripala Sirisena had proposed a renewable energy project using gas, which has now shifted to solar power, a move he welcomed.However, Ranawaka noted that the real issue lies in the government’s recent decision to curtail solar power during the New Year season, starting from Feb. 09, replacing it with power generated from oil and coal.
While the Sampur plant generates 120 megawatts, solar power currently produces 1,300 megawatts, he said. Reducing solar power generation while simultaneously signing deals for new power plants is not only a political farce but a betrayal of the public. According to Ranawaka, the Ceylon Electricity Board has spent an additional Rs. 14 billion on oil and coal during February and March, and the resulting financial burden is likely to be passed on to the public through an increase in electricity tariffs by June. He concluded that this increase may be the first “post-election blow” the public will feel after the upcoming local government elections.
(Excerpts : dailynews.lk)
