BOI Export Processing Zones excluded from power cuts

The Power Ministry has issued a directive to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to provide power supply to 14 Export Processing Zones in the country to enable all factories in those zones to continue its operations without power interruptions.

This directive was issued by the newly appointed Power Minister Pavithra Wanniarchchi after a meeting with high ranking officials of the Board of Investment (BOI) including its Chairman Raja Edirisuriya and Director General Renuka Weerakoon on Monday, Power Ministry sources said.

BOI officials informed the minister that the country will lost massive revenue if the BOI factories are closed down due to power disruptions.

They noted that jobs of around 500,000 factory workers are at stake if this situation is continued and the factories will not be able to fulfil their orders by sending their products on time to foreign buyers.

The CEB has been directed not to disconnect export zones under the BOI during power cuts with immediate effect.

Sri Lanka is now in the grip of three–to-five hour power cuts a day amid a drought and disruptions to fuel supply owing to forex shortages. (Bandula)