Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera accuses a group of disrupting the hydropower electricity generation by releasing water from the Rantambe, Randenigala and several other reservoirs.
Speaking in Parliament today, Minister Wijesekera said such water can be used for power generation and other irrigation activities.
The Minister noted by releasing water from reservoirs, the group is forcing authorities to purchase electricity from diesel-powered plants.
Minister Wijesekera said at present, several groups are engaged in a trade union action.
He said yesterday, the President issued a gazette notification declaring the supply of electricity, an essential service while court today issued an injunction order valid for two weeks, preventing trade unions from disrupting the supply of electricity.
The Power Minister said however certain groups are pressuring CEB employees to interrupt the supply of electricity.
The Minister said he tabled two reports in Parliament regarding last year’s power outages.
Minister Wijesekera said those reports have highlighted the possible human involvement in power outages.
He said therefore he cannot allow trade unions to dictate terms and hold people hostage.
Minister Kanchana Wijesekera added that a trade union leader known as Ranjan Jayalal threatened to destroy his political career.
He said he will not be deterred by such threats by trade union members.
Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera also noted that the Sri Lanka Electricity Act is tabled for the future of the country’s power sector and not to entertain proposals by entities such as Adani Group.
Minister Kanchana Wijesekera added that the move to pass the amendment has been welcomed by all stakeholders other than a few trade unions.
He said authorities must resort to initiating renewable power projects promptly in order to meet the future energy demand.
