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CEB not maximizing high rainfall for power generation says experts
by Ifham Nizam
Independent engineers and energy experts on Friday criticized the Ceylon Electricity Board’s (CEB) Systems Control Division for not fully utilizing available hydro capacity boosted by heavy rain over the last 10 days.
They alleged that the some officials were keen on thermal power generation using expensive fossil fuel and coal, the prices of which keep rising in global markets. The situation is further aggravated by the depreciating rupee.
It is reliably understood that the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) would inquire into non-maximizing production of hydro electricity in current wet weather.
A retired senior electrical engineer said that the CEB’s System Control Center must use available weather information including long term forecasts to maximize the generation of hydropower.
This was essential in the context of slower water inflows to power generating reservoirs due to deforestation.
He said that environmental factors like global warming caused greater evaporation of water in the oceans resulting in the heavy downpours now experienced.
But forecasting these is not easy and the CEB policy of uninterrupted power supply influences decisions to conserve water for dry season generation. This results in hydropower generation not being maximized even when reservoirs are spilling. This could be considered a revenue loss for the CEB.
He advocated a ‘smart grid’ saying that an ‘uninterrupted power supply at any cost principle’ must be avoided with effective demand management and consumer cooperation. Consumers must be educated about sometimes necessary power interruptions and must be taught not to strain the supply by overloading it at peak times.
The CEB has to also contend with the need for irrigation water decided weekly in consultation with the Irrigation Department and the Mahaweli Authority.
Energy analyst Dr. Vidhura Ralapanawe said that there was no necessity for the CEB to run expensive gas turbines at present as there was an adequate water in the reservoirs and expressed concern about an unsystematic approach while the world was tilting towards clean energy.
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“Improve the quality of infrastructure and services provided to tourists visiting the country.” – President
President Anura Kumara Disanayake emphasized the necessity of providing high-quality infrastructure and services for tourists visiting Sri Lanka, as the country has gained significant international recognition as an attractive tourist destination.
Accordingly, the President instructed officials to pay special attention to this matter and take necessary actions.
President Disanayake issued these instructions during a discussion held today (17) at the Presidential Secretariat with officials from the Ministry of Tourism.
During the discussion, officials briefed the President on the budgetary allocations designated for the Ministry of Tourism and the projects being implemented under those funds.
With the tourism sector taking a new step forward, Sri Lanka aims to attract three million tourists this year. The discussion also extensively covered the utilization of these budgetary allocations for the development of essential infrastructure to support this goal.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tourism and Foreign Employment Vijitha Herath, Deputy Minister of Tourism Dr. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Aruni Ranaraja, along with a group of senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, attended this discussion.
The French Navy Ship PROVENCE arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on Sunday (16 Mar 25) morning.
She was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with the time-honoured naval traditions.
The 142.20m long Destroyer is Commanded by Captain Lionel SIEGFRIED and manned by a crew of 160 members.
During the stay in the island, crew members of PROVENCE will visit some tourist hotspots in the country and the ship is scheduled to depart the island on 20 Mar.
The Court of Appeal this [17] morning dismissed the writ petition filed by former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon, seeking an interim injunction to prevent the execution of the arrest order issued by the Matara Magistrate’s Court against him.
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