Local bodies cautioned against power waste

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The Power and Energy Ministry yesterday focused attention again on the problem of street lights burning during the daytime.

Many Local Authorities including Pradeshiya Sabhas and Provincial Councils countrywide have ignored repeated appeals made by the Government to switch street lights on and off as needed.

Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka told the Sunday Observer that many Local Government institutions continued to ignore this appeal. He said a colossal sum of money is currently spent by the Government on operating street lights between 6.00pm and 6.00am. Therefore it is the duty of authorities to look into this matter in a positive way and help the Government's energy conservation program.

According to an eye witness, the street lights along the Marine Drive between Bambalapitiya and Kollupitiya were on even at 10.30 am on Friday. When contacted, a senior Ceylon Electricity Board official said that the matter will be investigated and steps will be taken against those who are responsible.

Minister Ranawaka also focused on the use of high voltage bulbs by business organisations for advertisements and warned such organisations to use electricity sparingly.