The power and energy sector is facing numerous challenges, due to the escalating power generating costs, said the minister of power and energy Patali Champika Ranawaka. However addressing the opening ceremony of ‘today for tomorrow’ the minister assured that even in the face of adversity there will be no power cuts. By conserving electricity he said people could save on their electricity bills and also contribute to the country’s energy conservation drive.

The minister added that while many countries are curtailing electricity supply Sri Lanka even as a developing country does not ration it. However the increase in fuel prices has affected the power generating capacity as 85% of power is generated through thermal sources. Of the 5 million power users 4.6 million are domestic consumers. He said that if each household can switch off just one 60 W light bulb between 06.30 and 09.30 pm around 180 MW can be saved, while switching off the refrigerator for just two hours a day 214 MW of power can  be saved he said.