Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Spokesman Noel Priyantha says children should be able to study using an Oil lamp if necessary, stating that the older generation who have excelled in their lives studied using oil lamps.
He made the statement on a programme with Ada Derana while responding to a question related to high electricity prices in Sri Lanka.
Responding to a question concerning people facing serious consequences due to the power supply being disconnected as a result of unsettled bills, Noel Priyantha acknowledged the situation.
Claiming that the people were used to free electricity, he said now with the situation changing they are unable to handle it, adding that this calls for a change in their attitude.
“We didn’t increase electricity charges for 09 years. Now, as the charges are increased at one go, they are suffering. The CEB still owes the government Rs. 440 billion,” he explained.
Further questioning why a child needs electricity to study, Noel Priyantha said an oil lamp was sufficient, sharing that he had carried out his studies using such a lamp.
When questioned why facilities are not being provided in line with the technological development of the country, he revealed that it was the fault of the parents as they should know how to earn and provide for their children. (NewsWire)
Shocking insensitivity about #EconomicCrisisLK:
"If a kid has no electricity due to disconnection, let him study with a bottle lamp. Tell the kid's father not to waste earnings on alcohol. People today are too spoilt…" – #lka power monopoly @CEB_lk's Media Spox Noel Priyantha https://t.co/mW9JV2Qlrz— Nalaka Gunawardene (@NalakaG) February 21, 2024