HRCSL vows legal action if uninterrupted power supply not provided during A/L exam

HRCSL vows legal action if uninterrupted power supply not provided during A/L exam

January 26, 2023   11:41 pm

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has warned that it would seek legal action if the relevant authorities fail to provide an uninterrupted power supply while the 2022 G.C.E. Advanced Level is taking place.

In a press release, the human rights body vowed to present facts to the Supreme Court if the power cuts are imposed during the exam month (from January 23 to February 17), pursuant to the provisions of Article 21 of the HRCSL Act No. 21 of 1996, which states that every offence of contempt committed against or in disrespect of, the authority of the commission is punishable by the Supreme Court.

On Wednesday evening (Jan. 25), the HRCSL convened an urgent meeting with the top officials of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) and the Ministry of Power & Energy, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), during which an agreement was reached not to impose power cuts during this period in order to minimize the inconvenience caused to the students sitting for the exam.

At this meeting, the PUCSL, together with the HRCSL, proposed to the CPC that the required fuel be provided to the CEB in order to provide an uninterrupted supply of electricity during the exam month.

Thus, PUCSL advised the CEB to prioritise the securing of funds needed for this purpose when the proposed electricity tariff revision is implemented in the near future.

Accordingly, all stakeholders agreed that the relevant funds would be paid within 60 days. The Ministry of Power and Energy was urged to intervene in the matter and provide the necessary coordination required for this consensus.

However, despite the undertaking given at the meeting called by the human rights body, it was reported that the daily power cuts were imposed as per usual since last night.

Meanwhile, CEB chairman Nalinda Illangakoon is of the view that an additional sum of LKR 4.1 billion is required to provide an uninterrupted supply of power during the Advanced Level exam. Speaking on the matter, he mentioned that the daily power interruptions will have to continue unless this additional cost is covered.

Disclaimer: All the comments will be moderated by the AD editorial. Abstain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or slanderous. Please avoid outside hyperlinks inside the comment and avoid typing all capitalized comments. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by flagging them(mouse over a comment and click the flag icon on the right side). Do use these forums to voice your opinions and create healthy discourse.

Most Viewed Video Stories

Final rites of legendary Sri Lankan singer Priya Suriyasena (English)

Final rites of legendary Sri Lankan singer Priya Suriyasena (English)

Former Chief Minister S.M. Ranjith joins the 'Sarvajana Balaya' alliance (English)

Govt committed to providing suitable environment for happy, quality life without discrimination - PM (English)

LIVE🔴 Ada Derana Prime Time News Bulletin 6.55 pm

LIVE🔴 Ada Derana Lunch Time News Bulletin 12.00 pm

Sri Lanka Customs to resume clearance of imported rice (English)

Police Dept's 2025 annual transfers delayed by 6 months (English)

Sri Lanka welcomes two millionth tourist in 2024 (English)