Solar power, priority now
Ananda KANNANGARA
The Power and Energy Ministry yesterday said they would take every
possible step to avoid power cuts since the catchment areas have
experienced substantial rains over the past few days.
Quoting Meteorology Department statistics, Power and Energy Minister
W. D. J. Seneviratne told the `Sunday Observer' that water levels in
several major reservoirs including Victoria, Castlereigh, Moussakele and
Randenigala had gone up due to heavy rains.
He said at least 35 per cent of the country's daily electricity
requirement is met from hydro power and the rest from thermal power as
well as other alternative sources.
Minister Seneviratne further said steps have already been taken to
develop the most needed solar power generation throughout the country,
especially in rural areas with the assistance of the Indian Government
before the end of this year.
As the initial step the solar powered electricity is being provided
to several families at the Galgamuwa village in the Moneragala District.
A senior CEB official said that an MoU has already been signed with
the Indian Government to develop the solar generation.
When asked about the new Electricity Act, passed by the Parliament
last week, the Minister reiterated that no one should panic over it, as
the new Act will neither privatise the CEB nor employees would be
retrenched.
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