Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera has condemned the statement made by Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Spokesman Noel Priyantha, claiming that electricity was not a must for children to study, as an oil lamp was sufficient.

Noel Priyantha made the statement during a talk show with a local media channel recently, which had been in response to a question on the difficulties faced by children from the estate sector due to the disconnection of power supply due to unsettled bills. 

Commenting on the matter, Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said the CEB Spokesman has tendered his resignation from the post and has also issued a public apology for his statement. 

Taking to ‘X’, the minister further said that the CEB management will also take appropriate steps regarding the statement made.

Stating that the statement does not reflect the views of the government or the CEB, Minister Wijesekera extended his apology on behalf of the Ministry and the CEB. 

“I agree with the sentiments of @JeevanThondaman and many more that had raised the lack of empathy and professionalism in the statement made by the CEB spokesperson,” he added. 

His comments come in response to a statement shared on ‘X’ by Minister of Estate Infrastructure Development and Water Supply Jeevan Thondaman on the matter.

In his statement, Minister Thondaman highlighted that the ‘entire’ statement made by the CEB spokesperson lacked empathy and was unacceptable.

“I trust that @kanchana_wij will take necessary steps to address this as I do not believe that the Hon. Minister shares the same view as the official,” he added. (NewsWire)

අනේ මන්දා… pic.twitter.com/hEMcMORoFP

— Chatura Alwis (@chaturaalwis) February 20, 2024

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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

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