Ensuring uninterrupted power supply: CPC directed to provide fuel to CEB

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has been directed to issue sufficient fuel for power generation to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) following a meeting with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Power Ministry officials met with President  Rajapaksa today to discuss future fuel purchases amidst warnings from the Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers Union (CEBU) to expect power cuts later in the day.

Accordingly, the Power Ministry said that if the CPC provides the fuel, they could provide uninterrupted power supplies.

The President also reportedly directed the Treasury to provide Rs 93 billion to the CEB to settle the outstanding debt of the CPC.

Earlier Spokesman for the Power Ministry Andrew Navamani said that the meeting with the President was to consider whether allocations could be made to provide fuel for six months for power generation.

He pointed out that only about 20 per cent of the fuel is consumed for power generation from the total fuel used in the country.

Meanwhile, the CEBU said that very likely one hour power cuts will be imposed from today in the evening.

The areas have been divided into four groups for the power cuts. For areas classified as Group A the power cuts will be from 5.30 p.m. to 6.30 pm. The groups are as follows;  Group B – 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm, Group C 7.30 pm to 8.30pm, and Group D from 8.30 Pm to 9.30 pm.