Probe against corruption, motive behind disruptions - CEB Chairman

Nethali Struys

Ongoing investigations regarding corruption and frauds in the past are the main reason for the current disruptions, demands and false allegations, said the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) chairman Vidya Amarapala. He said so at a press briefing held at the Power and Energy Ministry yesterday.

"The CEB engineers' union is misleading the public. There is no truth in the allegation that the Chairman and the Director Board are signing an agreement with the private sector in an illegal manner," he said. "There is a mafia behind the union protest. The CEB turned the 12-year losses in to profit in one year," he said.

He pointed out that the CEB was incurring a loss of Rs 40 billion at the time when Champika Ranawaka was appointed Power and Energy Minister. Last year, this was turned in to a profit of Rs 5 billion. The power sector mafia is powerful to the extent of destroying anyone who is against their plans, he added.

"We have worked according to the law. If there are illegal activities, the CEB Engineers' Union can take us before of the law," he said.

According to the Mahinda Chintana policy we are providing electricity for all.