Electricity Users’ Association launch petition against privatisation of CEB

By Anuradha Hiripitiyage

The Electricity Users’ Association yesterday (13) launched a campaign to collect 100,000 signatures against the proposed restructuring of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).

The campaign got underway near the Fort Railway station. Sanjeeva Dhammika, Secretary of the Association, said that they intended tocollect signatures from the public at Nugegoda today (14).

Dhammika said that the proposed new law would enable the private sector to fleece the hapless public. The civil society activist alleged that the new law was meant for companies to exploit those struggling to make ends meet.

The petition would be sent to President Ranil Wickremesinghe and members of Parliament.

Kanchana says restructuring won’t be stopped

Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera yesterday (13) said that the government would go ahead with restructuring of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB). The SLPPer told Parliament that party leader and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has not asked them to stop restructuring.

“Mahinda Rajapaksa has not requested the postponement of the restructuring of state enterprises. He has only asked for the postponement of selling state enterprises. We have no intention of selling the CEB. The restructuring of the CEB will continue,” Minister Wijesekera said.

The Minister was responding to a question raised by Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella.

MP Kiriella was referring to a statement issued by ex-President Rajapaksa on Sunday

“We would like to know whether Minister Wijesekera is with President Wickremesinghe or with Mahinda Rajapaksa,” MP Kiriella asked.

MP Rajapakasa has requested President Wickremesinghe to stop the privatization process pending the conclusion of presidential election later this year.