Severe damage to power lines

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

Power lines in most areas have been badly damaged due to torrential rains Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said.

The Minister addressing the media yesterday, said that severe damage to the power lines was reported in the Ampara and Batticaloa districts.

In addition the power distribution system in most of the areas was also damaged due to trees falling on power lines. However, the Ceylon Electricity Board has not yet estimated the damage since the rains have not ceased.

The Ministry has to spend a considerable amount for the renovation of power lines. Answering a journalist the Minister said that the restoration process would take some time but the Ministry is not yet in a position to say how long.

"However, the renovation work will be completed as soon as possible to bring the situation back to normalcy" Minister Ranawaka added. The Minister further said the CEB has temporarily disconnected the power supply to ensure civilian safety since the damaged power lines on ground could electrocute people.