Minister of Power Gamini Lokuge says the power supply across the country will be maintained until Tuesday without disruptions.
Speaking to media, Minister Lokuge said a discussion with the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation is scheduled for tomorrow, adding he hopes to request the CPC to provide the fuel required to ensure an uninterrupted power supply till the 22nd of January.
The Minister however said a final decision pertaining to the supply of power will be reached, if the CPC fails to provide a clear response on supplying fuel at tomorrow’s discussions.
He said the Kelanitissa Power Station has received 3,000MT of furnace oil which will help ensure an uninterrupted power supply till Tuesday.
Minister Lokuge claimed the Rs.80-90 billion owed to CPC as stated by Minister Udaya Gammanpila was not incurred during the present administration but was owed by the good governance government.
The Minister said the Ceylon Electricity Board provided concessions on electricity during the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in a Rs.44 billion loss adding that steps are being taken to collect overdue payments.
He said three units of the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant are generating 300MW each adding one generator has malfunctioned.
The Minister said engineers have assured that the generator will be functional by the 22nd of January.
Minister Lokuge said the Samanalawewa Hydroelectric Power Project and the Victoria Hydro Power Station are facing issues due to the water supply being redirected for consumption due to the current drought.
He said they held discussions with Minister Chamal Rajapaksa last week to request a continuous supply of water until the present crisis is averted adding that Minister Rajapaksa agreed to the terms.
