Power generation to tap renewable energy

Shirley WIJESINGHE

The country's power generation sector will gradually be converted to a renewable energy source rather than depending on fossil fuels, Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said after assuming duties as new Power and Energy Minister yesterday.

He added that estimated cost for diesel for this year will be over Rs. 88 billion.

Minister Ranawaka said he will take steps to make the Ceylon Electricity Board economically and technically stabilised during his tenure.

The annual loss incurred by the CEB was Rs.14 billion, Rs.34 billion, Rs.11 billion and Rs.30 billion for years 2007, 2008, 2009 respectively. It is expected to incur another Rs. 30 billion as losses this year.

He added that the CEB will no longer be a burden on the general Treasury.

Ranawaka appreciated the progress achieved by the Ministry during the tenure of former Minister John Seneviratne.

He said there were no plans to generate power and its distribution when the UPFA Government came to power.

The then government imposed frequent power cuts to face the power crisis.

No power cuts had been reported under the present regime.

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa too was present.