President doubtful whether power cuts are a conspiracy by Champika

Thursday, 16 August 2012 

The President has informed the head of the state intelligence unit to inquire and inform him whether the current power cuts and the strike by the CEB employees are being carried out with Power and Energy Minister Champika Ranawaka’s knowledge, a senior government minister said.

The President has told several ministers that having power cuts during a provincial election campaign would have a negative impact for the governing party. He has added that there were doubts whether Champika has instructed the power cuts to bring disrepute to the government during the election campaign since the JHU has decided not to contest the provincial council elections.

It is learnt that Power and Energy Ministry Secretary, M.M.C. Ferdinando has provided the President with many details against Minister Champika Ranawaka.

However, the duration of power cuts have now been increased to three hours due to the break down at the Norochcholai power plant and the lack of rains.

Meanwhile, the Chinese government through the embassy in Colombo has expressed to External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris its displeasure over the criticism leveled against the Chinese company that constructed the Norochcholai coal power plant by Minister Champika Ranawaka over the technical failures of the plant.