Trade unionist Ananda Palitha requests the President to instruct the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to release funds in order to purchase fuel.
Speaking during a media briefing today, Palitha said the country will face major power cuts.
He said irrespective of the claims made by Minister of Energy Udaya Gammanpila only 300-900MW of power can be generated through the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant without a supply of fuel.
The trade unionist said the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation is not supplying fuel to the Ceylon Electricity Board not because of Minister Gammanpila’s directives, but due to his inability to source refined fuel after shutting down the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery.
Palitha said the Minister is not taking any action pertaining to the ships carrying fuel that are currently docked at the port.
He said the CEB, factories, and the public will not receive fuel without the ships being cleared adding train service will also be affected if the present situation continues.
Palitha said it is clear to everyone that the government will not only leave the country in the dark but bring the entire nation to a standstill by allocating USD 500 million to settle sovereign bonds if they are unable to release ships from the port by paying a mere USD 30-40.
The trade unionist urged the President to take necessary action to ensure a continuous supply of fuel to the CEB.
