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Who's paying for this splash?
By Shelani Perera
While the CEB is planning another increase in rates due to rising costs, the extravagant decorative lights all over city highways are reported to be eating into the national grid though government leaders say private organisations had sponsored the festive floodlights.

Bills going up
Electricity charges will be increased from April next year, an official said. The Ceylon Electricity Board's Acting Chairman S Zubair said the new rates would be based on sound commercial principles.
The CEB imposed a major increase in rates earlier this year.

From December 1, the city streets and buildings are lit up throughout the night to create a festive atmosphere with thousands of jet lights adorning the streets.

CEB Acting Chairman S Zubair said a small percentage of the power for the festive floodlights was from the national grid.

He however stressed that he was fully for the festive floodlights and there was no danger of any power shortage because the jets would be lit up only for a few weeks.

He agreed with other officials that the lighting up of city streets would have long term economic value.

Meanwhile Police also are reported to have sent letters to businessmen and private organisations in the outskirts of Colombo asking them to light up their business institutions during the festive season. Letters have been sent to them to attend a meeting organised by the police to work out a plan. The Sunday Times learns that the businessmen are not too happy as they have to foot the electricity bill.

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