Scam bared

Chaminda PERERA

The Ceylon Electricity Board yesterday bared a massive scam where parts of Electricity transmission towers worth millions of rupees are being taken away by an organized gang in Veyangoda, Trincomalee, Polonnaruwa, Batticoloa and Ampara.

According to CEB officials, many parts of transmission towers carrying electricity from power stations to the main grid and several other areas have been plundered.

Parts of more than 15 transmission towers carrying electricity from Kotugoda to Veyangoda have been removed.

The value of the plunder has been estimated to Rs 1.5 million.

CEB officials added that several such incidents were reported from many parts of the island. Minuwangoda Police arrested several people who were involved in this. They were believed to be drug addicts, he said.

The value of a transmission tower is Rs 5-6 million and this type of lootings causes many damages to the Board, the officials added.

He said the CEB takes stern action against the people who are engaged in removing the parts of transmission towers and requested the public to be on alert.