Power pirates get fine shocks

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has collected Rs. 2,870,160.53 cts. as fines from 132 persons who pirated electricity in Ampara and Kalmunai in May this year.

Of this, Rs. 610,000 amounted to court fines, said the Power and Energy Ministry in a press release.

The release said the raids were conducted by the CEB flying squad on information given by the public.

The CEB incurred a considerable loss in income due to pirating of electricity by unscrupulous persons through manipulation of electricity meters and other ruses like illicit connections. Power and Energy Minister W.D.J. Seneviratne has directed the CEB to launch increased raids to plug this loss by nabbing persons pirating electricity.

Meanwhile, the CEB has requested the public to help nab persons pirating electricity by alerting its flying squad promptly.