Power and Energy Minister, Patali Champika Ranawaka appeals to the public to conserve the use of electricity.

Three-member committee appointed

Petroleum Industries Minister Susil Premajayantha

Q: Several trains, buses and many diesel-driven vehicles developed engine trouble after the use of CPC diesel last week. Have they been taken to task for this irregularity?

A: A three-member committee headed by the Petroleum Ministry's Chief Internal Auditor has been appointed to inquire into the incident.

Q: A blacklisted fuel company had supplied substandard diesel. How has this happened?

A: Details of the mystery will be revealed soon. Whoever is responsible for this will be dealt with.

Conserve electricity

Power and Energy Minister, Patali Champika Ranawaka

Q: Although the Kerawalapitiya and Norochcholei thermal power plants are fully operational, the country's power crisis remains unsolved. Do you have any solution?

A: The drought is continuing. People must consume electricity with utmost care.

Q: Have you addressed the issue of electricity wastage?

A: Strict instructions have already been issued to deal with situations such as street lamps which are litup even during bright daylight.

Independent committee should be set up

Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association (LPBOA) President Gamunu Wijeratna

Q: How do you propose to compensate for the buses damaged due to the use of substandard diesel?

A: The CPC should compensate for nearly 150 private bus owners whose buses were damaged after the use of CPC diesel. It would cost between Rs.75,000 to Rs.150,000 to clean the filters, injectors and the tubes.

Q: The Petroleum Ministry appointed a committee to look into this issue. What have you got to say about the move?

A: The Government should set up independent committee to report on the quality of imported diesel. We do not trust the committee appointed by the Petroleum Ministry.