Sri Lanka’s CEB refuses to limit power cuts during the exams
Sri Lanka’s state-run Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has refused to limit power cuts due to high cost, rejecting the regulator Public Utilities Commission’s (PUCSL) request to limit power cuts due to the ongoing advanced-level exams, officials said.
The PUCSL informed the CEB to avoid power cuts during the examination times from January 23 to February 17 and after 7.00 pm as thousands of students across the country are facing Advanced Level examinations, which are used an entrance exams for state universities.
However, the CEB response was, ” due to the higher additional cost, it is not in a position to avoid power interruptions proposed by the PUCSL”.
“The cost as we informed is higher than we can bear,” CEB Spokesman Dhammika Navaratne told the media.
He said to avoid power interruptions during time frames, thermal plants (both CEB and IPP) have to be additionally utilized.
“Additional cost is 4.1 billion rupees to purchase fuel to supply power continuously during the day time, and estimate for continuous power supply after 07.00 pm is approximately 2.4 billion rupees,” he added.
State-run fuel provider, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has refused to provide fuel to CEB on credit, the utility provider said adding that it is also facing insufficient cash flow.“
“Peoples Bank or other banks have refused to give credit facilities to CEB as they do not foresee a capability of CEB to pay back any loans based on CEB’s earnings/cash flow forecast without a tariff increase,” CEB said.
And the 2022 G.C.E. Advanced Level examination began yesterday, 23rd at 2,200 centres across the island and with 331,709 candidates sitting for the exams.
A total of 278,196 school applicants and 53,513 private candidates are sitting for the exam which will continue until February 17.M
Meanwhile, the Commissioner General of Examinations requests candidates to arrive early at their respective examination centers with their admission and valid identity cards.
Parents who spoke with Mojo News expressed their displeasure over the unjust action of the government to continue the usual power cut without concern about students who are sitting for the AL examination.
“This President and his team only want to keep their power. They want to suppress citizens and maintain their position thinking about the future power to remain further,” told Mojo News Nelson Fernando from Jaela.
