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.