Inevitable power crisis if rains fail - Minister Ranawaka

Irangika RANGE and Disna MUDALIGE

Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, informed Parliament yesterday, that an exacerbated power crisis was inevitable if the monsoon did not start by mid September.

Making a special ministerial statement, Ranawaka said the water levels at all main reservoirs had dropped drastically, hindering the hydro power generation.

“If an adequate rain fall did not take place in catchment areas during the next few days, hydro power generation from Victoria and Randenigala reservoirs would be compelled to be stopped, thus putting an end to hydro power generation. It was a grave situation as the thermal power generation in the country was not sufficient,” he added.

The minister also said the water in main reservoirs was so far used after being utilized to provide drinking facilities and agriculture, but the situation would not be so in the coming weeks.

He also said that all parties should cooperate fully in conserving energy by considering the present situation as a national crisis situation.

“Even though, we could have opted for thermal power generation under normal circumstances, when there were no adequate rainfall to generate hydro power, our situation was worse as there were issues pertaining to thermal power generation,” he added.

The minister also envisaged a possible power crisis in the future due the past administrations not taking adequate steps to put up alternative power generation plants for present sorry situation in the power and energy sector.

“The proposal to set up a coal power plant came into the arena even before 1990 and none of the successive governments were able to set it up as they had to give into various kinds of protests and pressures. We were finally able to put up a coal power plant after 21 years, but that too was not under best circumstances,” he added.

The minister speaking further, said that the Norochcholai coal power plant too was facing lots of technical shortcomings, as a result of untimely accelerated constructions being carried.

“According to initial plans, the coal power plant was to be set up under Japanese assistance and with their technical assistance. Secondly, the plant was to be set up in Trincomalee, where it was best for the supply of coal as it was close by the harbour. Owing to protests carried out at times, we were compelled to build this accelerated project in Norochchole with Chinese assistance,” he added.

Ranawaka also speaking about the ongoing strike by the Ceylon Electricity Board employees, said nobody should under any circumstances test the patience of the government and society.