Presidential Secretariat says no power cuts from yesterday, but confusion among people

Looking at the state bureaucratic affairs these days, one may wonder whether policy decisions are being taken at the highest levels based on scientific reasons or are there plans in the first place to overcome the unprecedented economic woes in the country?

On Wednesday, ministers and top officials attached to various ministries that involve power, energy and fuel imports were summoned for an urgent meeting at the Presidential Secretariat to discuss the ongoing power crisis which has resulted in more than seven hour long power cuts across the country.

After lengthy discussions followed by remarks by P r e s i d e n t G o t a b ay a Rajapaksa who insisted that “all responsible parties are taking steps to ensure uninterrupted power supply”, officials assured there would be no power cuts from yesterday (March 5).

Following the meeting, a statement was issued by the Secretariat assuring the people there would not be any power cuts since distribution of fuel to all fuel stations across the country would be normalised from next day. However, kilometre long queues lined up at midnight in front of fuel sheds waiting hours to purchase limited fuel supplies.

For many in various walks of life, the six hour power cut window caused immense difficulties in their daily routines. The worst part, one mother with an infant said that sometimes power outages exceed six hours and they only get two hours power to recharge their digital gadgets to get ready for the next power cut.