PUCSL files writ against CEB to ensure no power cuts during A/L exams

The Public Utilities Commission (PUCSL) yesterday filed a writ application before the Court of Appeal to obtain a writ against the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) in order to prevent power interruptions during GCE A/L examinations.



Separately the Ceylon Teachers’ Union too filed a petition with the Supreme Court over the same matter, naming the CEB chairman, the secretary to the Power & Energy Ministry, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) chairman, the Human Rights Commission (HRCSL) and several others as its respondents.

The CTU requested the Supreme Court to issue an order directing the CEB and other relevant stakeholders to refrain from interrupting the power supply until the end of the exam.

Earlier yesterday the PUCSL informed the CEB that it will not approve any scheduled power cuts until 17 February in order to protect the rights of over 331,000 students sitting for the 2022 G.C.E. AL examination.

PUCSL Chairman Janaka Ratnayake stated that any such power cuts imposed during this period will be considered unauthorised and illegal.

The PUCSL stand was after CEB requested permission to impose power cuts for two hours and 20 minutes.

The request was made upon consideration of the fact that the Water Management Secretariat has restricted the release of water from reservoirs for hydro power generation since the expected rainfall was not experienced.