By Niranjala Ariyawansha

http://www.ceylontoday.lk/print20170401CT20170630.php?id=32896

The former President and the former Secretary of the Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers Union (CEBEU) have filed action in the Court of Appeal seeking a ban on the Least Cost Long Term Generation Expansion Plan (LCLTGEP).

They allege that it was prepared illegally by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) acting beyond the authority granted to them in the Sri Lanka Electricity Act.

They have also requested a Writ Order to withdraw the letter sent on 3 August 2017 to the General Manager…of the CEB by the PUCSL, stating that the LCLTGEP should be implemented immediately.

This case has been filed by former president Athula Wanniarachchi and former Secretary Chamil Edirimuni of the CEBEU.

Wanniarachchi told Ceylon Today that the CEB will not implement the ‘illegal LCLTGEP’.

LCLTGEP, which was prepared by experts of the CEB, was submitted to the PUCSL on 5 May for approval.

However, it was rejected and the PUCSL prepared another plan and sought approved for implementation.

According to the Sri Lanka Electricity Act No. 20 of 2009, only the CEB has the authority to prepare a LCLTGEP. The PUCSL has the authority only to grant approval for it and to correct any shortcomings if any, and to provide guidelines for a better plan on providing electricity to the consumer at a lower cost.