Public cautioned against strong winds and rain

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The Power and Energy Ministry has cautioned the public against strong winds and rain, since falling trees and branches near power lines could cause power failures and also deaths due to electrocution.

Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka told the Sunday Observer that the public could inform Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) branch offices in their areas to lop such trees and branches to avoid extensive damage to the domestic electricity network. Minister Ranawaka referred to an incident last week in the Southern Province where a massive gale lashed several areas in the Province.

According to area CEB branch offices, huge trees had fallen on several power lines and the electricity supply had to be disconnected for many hours to avoid further damage.

Minister Ranawaka called upon the public to take steps to lop all trees and branches which pose a threat to the electricity supply.