Kanchana criticises CEB Spokesman’s rebuke of essentiality of electricity for education 

• Extends an apology on behalf of the Ministry and CEB
• Announces Spokesperson Noel Priyantha’s resignation with an apology 
• Estate Infrastructure Development and Water Supply Minister Jeevan Thondaman says CEB Spokesman lacked empathy, professionalism in his statement 
• Appreciates Power and Energy Minister for taking swift action, extending an apology to already marginalised and vulnerable communities that were mocked and humiliated

Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera has condemned the statement made by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Spokesman Noel Priyantha, who suggested that electricity was ‘not essential’ for children’s studies, implying that an oil lamp would suffice.

“The statement does not reflect the views of the Government or the CEB and would like to extend my apology on behalf of the Ministry and the CEB,” the Minister said via ‘X’.

Priyantha’s remarks were part of a recent interview on a local media channel, where he spoke lightly about the challenges faced by children in the estate sector due to power disconnections resulting from unpaid bills.

“The Management of CEB has also informed me that the spokesperson has tendered his resignation from the post and issued a public apology for his statement,” the Minister announced.

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

Wijesekera also said that the CEB Management will take appropriate steps regarding the statement made.

“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 noted. 

In a seperate statement via ‘X’ 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. 

Later, Minister Thondaman thanked the Power and Energy Minister for taking swift action and extending an apology on behalf of the Ministry and the CEB.

“Thank you @kanchana_wij for taking decisive action on this matter and for your apology on behalf of your Ministry and the CEB. Your swift response and the leadership you have shown here sends a very clear message on your values,” he added. 

Thondaman also noted that this will be much appreciated by the already marginalised and vulnerable communities that were mocked and humiliated by the now former CEB spokesperson.