Permanent blackout for power pirates warns Champika

Power Minister Patali Champika has warned that anyone caught pirating electricity twice wouldn’t be given power connection again.  The JHU stalwart emphasized that he wouldn’t give in to political pressure or any other factor when dealing with those continuing to pirate electricity at the expense of the national economy.

The warning was given at a recent public meeting in the Eastern Province.The parliamentarian revealed that he had already issued the necessary instructions to the relevant authorities. Among the power pirates are believed to be many affluent families and businessmen.

The Colombo District MP said that taking tangible measures against power pirates was as important as conserving electricity.

Since the conclusion of the conflict in May 2009, Minister Ranawaka has directed an effective countrywide campaign targeting power pirates.

He urged people to conserve electricity as the country now generated 86 per cent of required power through thermal generation. He emphasized the urgent need on the part of the community to reduce electricity consumption, particularly from 6. 30 p.m. to 9. 30 p.m, to ease the burden on the national grid.

The minister said that the government had provided electricity to former LTTE-held areas, including Puthukudirippu, where some of the bloodiest fighting took place ahead of the collapse of the enemy.

In an obvious reference to ongoing efforts to haul Sri Lanka up before an internal war crimes inquiry, the minister appealed to the global community not to hinder Sri Lanka’s post-war development progress.

 

Courtesy: The Island

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