CEB Chairman waiting on God for rain and CPC for fuel to resolve electricity crisis
Power Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi and Ceylon Electricity Board ( CEB) Chairman M.M.C. Ferdinando had no answer on Thursday when journalists questioned them on when the current power crisis would end.
Ms. Wanniarachchi said any increase in hydropower generation would happen when areas where hydropower reservoirs are located experience rain.
“I cannot tell you when that will be. That is a matter for the Meteorology Department,” she said.
A journalist pointed out that the Met. Department had predicted that rain may not take place until the end of April. This odd exchange happened thereafter: Minister: But it is already raining in some reservoir areas. Do not try to get us to predict when this will end. Do not try to frighten people by saying this is the situation and the power cuts could go on for this length of time. Journalist: But don’t the
people deserve to know? Minister: We can not say
when it will rain. Journalist: I am not asking you when it will rain. I can ask that from the Met. Department. Minister: The water levels in the reservoirs will depend on when it rains. Journalist: Is that your
answer then? CEB Chairman: When God gives us rain and the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) gives us fuel, we can resolve this crisis.
E s s e n t i a l l y, the Government is relying on divine intervention for rain. Given how bankrupt the Government is, it might as well pray for fuel too, said a scribe as he walked away from a useful presser.