Shirajiv Sirimane
The Ministry of Power and Energy has formulated a plan to reduce their overheads by Rs. 15,000 million next year. This would be twice the amount allocated to the Samurdhi movement.
Minister Champika Ranawaka said that they had initially allocated Rs. 158, 982 for CEB, which makes it the Ministry with the highest expenditure. “Out of this Rs. 107, 047 is for power generation while Rs. 16, 754 was allocated for power distribution. In addition Rs. 7, 700 was left for power work maintenance and a further Rs. 3, 997 for interests on credit,” the Minister said.
“However with new management plan we have been able to reduce this estimate by almost Rs. 15, 000,” he said. This includes the reduction of Rs. 3, 391 from power generation costs, Rs, 1,065 from power distribution, maintenance 2,506 and a relief of Rs. 1,527 from interest on loans. In addition we expect to save almost Rs. 8,450 million by implementing sound economic management practices” he said.