Over 3,670 nab for power piracy 
<P>[September 24 2010]

<P>During the last three months the flying squad of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has taken legal action against 3,670 persons for pirating electricity from the main power lines using hooks.   The Manager Investigation L. Senaratne said the majority of power pirates are from Ampara, Kulmunei, Akkaraipattu, Trincomalee, Muttur, Vavuniya and Colombo. 

<P>“Over 200 persons who robbed power from the main lines are from Colombo,” he said. 

<P>The Court has ordered the pirates to pay Rs. 29 million to the CEB to recover the loss due to power piracy and also the Court fine of Rs. 40 million.  

<P>Among those illegally tapped power are residents and businessmen.  

<P>Senaratne said that some raids were carried out on tips given by the public. The flying squad has expedited the raids following orders by Minister of Power and Energy Champaka Ranawaka. 

<P>The Ministry expects to save Rs. 20 billion annually by taking actions against power piracy.