Trade unions linked to the energy industry reject claims that the decision to impose power cuts without approval was a move to sabotage the government’s reputation.
Speaking to media Trade Unionist Ranjan Jayalal requested the Electricity Board to conduct a prompt investigation without issuing statements.
He noted that the Electricity Board is acting very irresponsible at a time when public outcry is being witnessed due to power cuts.
Jayalal commented that contradictory information was given to the public where no power cuts were promised within the day, but ended up imposing power cuts despite the notice.
Jayalal complained that the government, PUCSL and the CEB are all states sector institutions that work as if they owned by three separate entities.
He rejected efforts made by the country’s leaders to build up an opinion among the public that neither entity was responsible for the power cuts but a group of engineers within the CEB itself.
He called on the government to use the police force and intelligence units to launch an investigation into the incident without delay.
He revealed that certain statements were made over the CEB finishing fuel allocated for seven days, within six.
He explained that machines which usually run using furnace oil are now being operated by diesel and attributed this as the cause for fuel finishing sooner than expected.
