CEB spokesman suggests students should study by oil lamp

21 February 2024 05:35 pm - 90 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Colombo, Feb 21 (Daily Mirror) - Spokesman for the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), Noel Priyantha, stirred a controversy during a recent television programme by suggesting that children should resort to studying using oil lamps if necessary, citing the precedent set by previous generations who excelled in their studies under similar conditions.

Priyantha made these remarks while addressing concerns over the escalating electricity prices in Sri Lanka.

In response to queries about the adverse effects of power disconnections due to unpaid bills, he acknowledged the hardships faced by consumers but attributed them to a shift from a culture of free electricity.

Highlighting that electricity charges had remained stagnant for nearly a decade before the recent increases, Priyantha stressed on the financial challenges faced by the CEB, which owes the government a substantial amount.

In response to the statement by the CEB spokesman, the TV presenter argued that with the advancement of technology and emergence of electronic devices, the present children can't be compared to the previous generation as things have drastically changed over the time.

Defending the decision to hike electricity prices, Priyantha questioned the necessity of electricity for studying, suggesting that traditional methods such as oil lamps would suffice.

He shared his personal experience of studying by oil lamp and implied that today's parents should prioritize providing for their children's basic needs instead of relying solely on technological advancements.

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Comments - 90

Sokrates Wednesday, 21 February 2024 05:51 PM

How can the CEB make such an idiot its spokesman? Probably his brain suffered from sniffing lamp oil while studying as a child.

Hadam Wednesday, 21 February 2024 10:17 PM

Because he is a Class One numb head. I wonder what his children have to say about this.

Priya Thursday, 22 February 2024 01:33 AM

This is a classic example why SL will never develop. Too many Incompetent people leading the country.

Ranjan Thursday, 22 February 2024 09:00 AM

Mr Idiot Priyantha, You are a selfish man. Before you our children you tell your children and grandchildren. Possibly you tell your children to use Stone Age period methods . You are a worthless individual and should be sacked immediately for giving this type of sensitive statement to our children

Adwani Wednesday, 21 February 2024 05:53 PM

The idea of oil lamp is very good, it will the CEB Corrupt and thieves to rob more and more. No need to reduce the Tariffs.

Jeanne Thursday, 22 February 2024 02:25 AM

Should wire a light bulb up his backside - it may help him see the light!!!

M Fernando Wednesday, 21 February 2024 05:58 PM

We have no kerosene oil either... Now what ?

Farook Wednesday, 21 February 2024 05:59 PM

You practice what you preach! Will you also provide your kids with bottle lamps? Electricity can be given at much lower rates if rampant corruption, overstaffing and waste is stopped. The meter readers are paid for reading the meters correctly. That is their only job. Now what happens when it is ready wrongly. My bill for my upstairs unit remains at a an average if 1500/-. But this month I have got a staggering bill of 86,000 odd. He has read the meters wrong. I sent a message in CEB wattsap with the correct readings about 5 days ago and I am yet to hear from them. I am sure that the meter reader should get a punishment for this glaring error. Over to the Minister for evasive action.

Shakir najumudeen Wednesday, 21 February 2024 06:07 PM

Why don't ministers and other public servants use bullock carts instead of vehicles. During ancestors there were marvelous economic developments and no corruption.. world is further more ahead than us . Don’t give such stupid statements

Ruwan Wednesday, 21 February 2024 06:15 PM

What this man said is completely true. Parents should do an extra job to find money to feed their children instead of looking up and waiting till the government or someone provided money or food. Many people did just that, thankfully like in other countries.

Jayantha Wednesday, 21 February 2024 06:17 PM

Gice him an oil lamp to carry out day to day office work. What a fool. Public money wasted on a joker like this.he should be sent home

Mahila Thursday, 22 February 2024 03:29 AM

The Result of employing Graduates, and May Be the Result of Standardisation (eliminating part of the community and selecting WORTHIES from “REDUCED POOL of Qualified” – doesn’t represent the wider population IQ and APTITUDE to envisaged Position) and Those so-called PROLETARIATS, with STUNTED mental Growth!!! Await more of this as that is what SEEMS, Majority of People in our Motherland Now call or TERM as Progress!!?? They belong to the Anti-Reactionary, Anti-Colonists, and ‘ABHORING’ Western ‘Rancid denounced Culture’!!?? The EMBELLISHMENT, or ‘STANDARD BEARER’, OF PROGRESSIVES, and Resultant PROGRESS – “APEY AANDUWA” of 1956 envisaged with contrite WISDOM and culminated indeed very PROUDLY!? That achievement, undoubtedly, “NOT TO BE CONDEMNED”, CONTRARY CHERISHED and VALUED FOR THE ERUDITE AND NUANCED LEADERSHIP provided by our Leaders for the PAST 68 Years!!??

TG Wednesday, 21 February 2024 06:20 PM

Electricity is a basic need now and it's not a fancy item, available only for the rich

Sam Silva Wednesday, 21 February 2024 06:36 PM

Why don't you start with the politicians, appointees, their families including yourself to set an example.

Warner Wednesday, 21 February 2024 06:39 PM

Yes yes very good suggestion also children should travel by Bullockart To school to save diesel import and the VVIPS only should travel in luxury cars.

Wickremasinghe Wednesday, 21 February 2024 06:40 PM

Idiot. Nothing else can be said.

Rex Jarkie Wednesday, 21 February 2024 06:47 PM

ARE YOU GONE MAD STUPID HOW DID YOU STUDY TO BECOME AN ENGINEER

NV Jen Wednesday, 21 February 2024 06:56 PM

Sure, with such people at helm, Sri Lanka is going back to stone era.

Wiraj Wednesday, 21 February 2024 06:58 PM

Don't know whether this imbecile has passed his GCE O/L even. Must have been a stooge of a past or present minister.

ravin Wednesday, 21 February 2024 07:01 PM

Has this idiot study under oil lamp? If he has any kids are they studying under oil lamp?

gobba ranil Wednesday, 21 February 2024 07:06 PM

Ask this guy to demonstrate it with an example. He can light oil lamps at home and spend the night with his family without electricity.. As long as we have these types of hypocrites, this country will never move forward.

Lal Wednesday, 21 February 2024 07:09 PM

What about food PUNNAAKKU ok ???

LOKKA Wednesday, 21 February 2024 07:12 PM

Are this spokesperson's children also studying using oil lamps? The Electricity Board is making losses mainly due to rampant corruption. CEB engineers did not want to use renewable resources for generating electricity but preferred thermal power because of the commissions they got. Another reason is the overstaffing as each successive minister appointed political henchmen over the limit of the real requirement.

LOKKA Wednesday, 21 February 2024 07:12 PM

Are this spokesperson's children also studying using oil lamps? The Electricity Board is making losses mainly due to rampant corruption. CEB engineers did not want to use renewable resources for generating electricity but preferred thermal power because of the commissions they got. Another reason is the overstaffing as each successive minister appointed political henchmen over the limit of the real requirement.

Johan Wednesday, 21 February 2024 07:18 PM

May be this fellow is from a village and living in bullock card period. Most of the students depending on line education and used to Tabs and Computer technologies.First his family must practice what he preach.

nsathees Wednesday, 21 February 2024 07:18 PM

are you willing to do that to your Kids?

Priyan66 Wednesday, 21 February 2024 07:21 PM

Why we should maintain CEB from our tax money, if the spoke person is this dumb, how bad others are ? This should be privatized without any delay

KoffeeMoffie Wednesday, 21 February 2024 07:22 PM

Stand up Comedy.

Mohan Wednesday, 21 February 2024 07:26 PM

A little LED lamp will be more bright than the olden oil lamp and needs only little electricity. Is he living in stone age?

R S Wednesday, 21 February 2024 07:36 PM

Good he can come work clad in a Kambi Lanesuwa and by bullock cart. Let him set an example. What kind of sick people do we have in these positions.

M Fahim Wednesday, 21 February 2024 07:49 PM

There won’t be any financial challenges CEB will face if there is NO corruption. I am sure this guy has some serious mental issues. He is out of his mind should live in a jungle.

Saradiel Wednesday, 21 February 2024 07:52 PM

He is simply off his head

Jude Fernando Wednesday, 21 February 2024 07:58 PM

Maybe he can set a good example by getting the electricity supply to his home disconnected.

Lakmal Kahawela Wednesday, 21 February 2024 08:15 PM

If you have children or grandchildren studding, will you ask them to use oil lamps to study. Please practice what you preach

Ram Wednesday, 21 February 2024 08:16 PM

This man is talking bullshit holding a candle for the government. He must give up TV mobile phones etc as the previous generations excelled without using them and walking instead of going in vehicles

Thishan Wednesday, 21 February 2024 08:28 PM

Well I do remember when I was forced to study under candle light and kerosene lamp when the JVP sahodaraya's forced a blackout on the nation and our home could not switch on our electric lights or else face serious consequences even death! Yes, lest we forget and that the younger generation know what exactly the horrors the rebranded NPP was upto not too long ago ...

ROSH Wednesday, 21 February 2024 08:40 PM

This idiot needs to go back to school to find out how my country went bankrupt. Unelected master debating president loves spending mile high club on regular basis on steamy double bed. This idiot can spend one night stand with unelected master debating president with lamp by side of his. End of the night he can feel how much internal work done by unelected master debating president on him in the dark before the dawn. I am sure he will struggle to walk from his steamy double bed

Problem with having people who suffer in childhood is they want to make others suffer too Wednesday, 21 February 2024 08:41 PM

One of the sad things about very few successful people who lived in deprived or poverty stricken situations is that they expect others to do the same as well, although 99.9% of other in the circumstances did really poorly. This manager is same type of idiot. In Western nation, the biggest child abusers are often abused as children themselves, and that is the same mentality with many managers in Sri Lanka.

UAli Wednesday, 21 February 2024 08:46 PM

This man should have to be the spoken person for ‘ Ceylon board for Promoting oil lamp users community’

OIL LAMPS ;POLUTION AND CARBORN MONOXEDDAND Wednesday, 21 February 2024 08:47 PM

WHY YOU GO BACKWARD?? FIRST OF ALL, YOU CAN STUDY ABOUT SOLAR LAMPS, AND THEN STUDENTS CAN STUDY BY SOLAR LAMP.

dana Wednesday, 21 February 2024 08:50 PM

Does this guy ready to let his children to use oil lamp instead of electricity

Citizen Wednesday, 21 February 2024 08:51 PM

The country in this state bcoz of the out come of the old generation in the parliament who studies in the oil lamp. Good example set by them. Way to go Sri Lanka, let get back to oil lamp, bull cart, bicycle transportation.

Raj Wednesday, 21 February 2024 08:55 PM

He must be asking someone to hold the lamp until he finishes his night duties.....seriously such baffalos exist in SL.

Mahila Thursday, 22 February 2024 03:44 AM

"Thana Kola Munching, Punnakku Guzzling" (TKMPG) variety ABOUND in SRI LANKA, to the exclusion of TOP governing Hierarchy from ancient times of our Laudable Kings and western Colonialists, UNTIL Independence!!! Unfortunately, not Post 1948!!? TKMPG have successfully, INFILTERATED the TOP ECHELONS of Governance - HALLOWED ‘AUGUST’ Assembly – Parliament, SIGNIFYING SUCH DECADENCE!?

Dinesh Wednesday, 21 February 2024 09:12 PM

Ranil is trying to digitize the education system. Let oil the computers. These are the morons we have in CEB

ANTON Wednesday, 21 February 2024 09:19 PM

IS THIS MAN A SPOKESPERSON OR A WASHING MACHINE OPERATOR ?

SSS Wednesday, 21 February 2024 09:24 PM

lol. this is definitely not a problem for Northern Kids and parents. They were without electricity for decades and shone compared with other provinces. Time is the best healer.

Jeanne Thursday, 22 February 2024 02:21 AM

@SSS : Very true. But, that was a different generation and different circumstances. I don't think they would be able to do that now. How do you surf the net and engage in social media without electricity? Ah yes... the library. I agree with you that the Northern Provinces made the best of a bad situation. They are extremely resilient and, as a Sinhalese with ancestral roots in the South

Upulpb Wednesday, 21 February 2024 10:02 PM

If this arrogant idiot has any children which I doubt, they must be studying overseas. Pathetic

shan Wednesday, 21 February 2024 10:28 PM

We all pay taxes to government now directly or indirectly. As a tax payer, we do not like to waste our money on salaries to these type of non-professional, stupid, idiotic servants. These sort of guys are a burden to any organisation. Hope CEB management will take action to send this guy home.

Mahila Thursday, 22 February 2024 03:57 AM

These Nincompoops are employed by the Government ELECTED by Sovereign People of SL!!?? So, Question, the Voting Pattern and their Thinking Process of electing Parliamentarians and President, who have absolutely had the IQ NONE BETTER than this "WORTHY"!!?? Example 6.9 Million EP's ‘ORGANIC FERTILISER ONLY’ implemented w/o Pre-planned Implementation Process, resulting Starvation, if not Famine!!??

Sarah P Wednesday, 21 February 2024 10:32 PM

1. Must turn of the AC in his office and home. 2. Must subject his family to all the hardships that he has mentioned. 3. Must stop him from using a vehicle and make him walk in the hot sun during this time.

Truman Wednesday, 21 February 2024 10:41 PM

What else can you expect from these political appointees. He must first ask his children to do the same and introduce oil lamps at his home. "Umbalata Kiri apita Kakiri"

D S de Silva Wednesday, 21 February 2024 11:03 PM

What an absolute idiot!

sagala baba Wednesday, 21 February 2024 11:43 PM

how to use my free wi-fi mr. president......?

Citizens Wednesday, 21 February 2024 11:46 PM

Where did this fool go to school or did he not go to school at all? Not surprised if he didn't! What about his kids although they don't have anything to do with their dumb father's statement! Do they study under the oil lamp?? These are the idiots who take the country backwards to stone-age instead of forward to digital-age!!

Hari mani Thursday, 22 February 2024 12:42 AM

The guy need to be sacked yesterday! Because of these morons that our country is in such a state.

Hari mani Thursday, 22 February 2024 12:42 AM

The guy need to be sacked yesterday! Because of these morons that our country is in such a state.

Mfb Thursday, 22 February 2024 01:03 AM

Send him to Angoda is the only solution

L Jaya Thursday, 22 February 2024 01:16 AM

Is he a Chartered Engineer? Looks an imbecile to suggest to study on oil lamp. The light illumination swings and not good for eyes. In the competitive environment, long study circles it is totally unacceptable.. From where did he graduate?

Oncobala Thursday, 22 February 2024 01:31 AM

I studied under kerosene lamp throughout my 5 years university studies in Jaffna due to economic embargo by Srilankan government. Where were this shouting roaring lions when we were that much hardships??

Jeanne Thursday, 22 February 2024 09:13 AM

Sorry for your inconvenience. However, may I remind you that, during the 70s and during the JVP terrorist crisis and for many years after that, not only did we in Colombo and other parts of Sri Lanka, study under kerosene lamps, we also stood in queues in the burning hot sun for our daily rations of bread etc. And more recently children were studying under street lamps. Perspective my friend, perspective.

Moonasinghe Thursday, 22 February 2024 02:03 AM

This guy has just come from the Moon and perhaps attained his merger level of education from the light shown on the moon by earth.

Jeanne Thursday, 22 February 2024 02:13 AM

WHO IS THIS ABSOLUTE PRICELESS IDIOT talking through his backside?

Mark Thursday, 22 February 2024 03:13 AM

The CEB is corrupt. It enriches itself. It tried for many years to block renewable energy. It kept on paying and still does pay private Diesel generators to supply electricity at alarmingly high prices while doing all it can to block solar and other cheap alternatives. It gives its employees bonuses while loosing billions. It pays its employees ridiculously high wages and benefits by holding the poor country and the stupid politicians to ransom. It is a mafia with another goon as its spokesmen. It needs to be wiped out. The sooner the better.

Waco Thursday, 22 February 2024 05:08 AM

Am Ifiot is heading the CEB.

Wasantha Kumara Thursday, 22 February 2024 05:10 AM

Is this guy is a Chartered Engineer? Is he married or single? Whether he has school going children in studying for exams?

Lawry Thursday, 22 February 2024 05:42 AM

Tell the students to study in day light.

gunadasa Thursday, 22 February 2024 05:54 AM

pin bath kaka, pinata iganagattu, thawa GAWAYEk

A Thursday, 22 February 2024 06:41 AM

If he'll is real, this one will be a sure candidate.

Lanka_55 Thursday, 22 February 2024 07:39 AM

CEB all payment to their administrative employees should be cut down immediately to a regular pay as state workers. This includes the Central Bank as well !

Sambo Thursday, 22 February 2024 07:40 AM

This country is run by idiots. For example one idiot said that Sri Lanka was a part of India and another idiot seconded it. So there are no surprises in what our politicians and officials say.

Januka Gunawardana Thursday, 22 February 2024 07:52 AM

Should revert to Bull carts as well. These guys including politicians can use .

Shan Thursday, 22 February 2024 11:55 AM

Politicians can pull!

Surupa daya Thursday, 22 February 2024 08:01 AM

So that he can continue to make millions in salaries and increments, which they have very conveniently worked out for themselves

Poor Citizen Thursday, 22 February 2024 08:01 AM

Best quote heard in the recent past. When other countries are trying to search for other planets this joker wants children to study with a oil lamp. Set an example by doing it yourself. Your Excellency these are the type of heads in the government sector. sad.

I pity Ranil surrounded by left overs of Rajapassas Thursday, 22 February 2024 08:10 AM

It is his arrogance not ignorance I read in the words of this man appointed by former rulers. We cannot fathom how many more are still in seats of power trying to sabotage the efforts Ranil. Or is this the caliber of people appointed in dozens by Rajapassa regime?

Gomapala Kottusinha Thursday, 22 February 2024 08:14 AM

Who is this uneducated Pin Gona licking pelicans smelly but tasty back! Parliament should run without light or AC; they should use oil lamps first - these these Pin PAdiyas! What is Pin Padiya? Give them to poor children to buy oil and lamps

Ranjan Thursday, 22 February 2024 09:14 AM

First his children and grandchildren should go for oil lamps. Worthless idiot. Think twice before you give this type of sensitive statements to our children

Ocean Samarakoon Thursday, 22 February 2024 08:28 AM

Wisdom has been chasing this gentleman his whole life.... however he has managed to stay ahead and not been caught!

Fernando Thursday, 22 February 2024 08:40 AM

Why is he working for CEB if he thinks electricity is not that important? This man should be removed from his post immediately.

Jeanne Thursday, 22 February 2024 02:41 PM

@Fernando: AWESOME comment - light bulb moment indeed!!!!

RR Thursday, 22 February 2024 09:05 AM

IS HE MAKING A STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE PRESIDENT

Abd Thursday, 22 February 2024 11:04 AM

Most of the capable engineers already left the country, that is the reason this stupid idiot sits on spokesman’s chair,if he would open his mouth again,whole nation will surround HQ, guy seems to be low quality engineer who sneaked in to university using standardization system ,shame on you

joker Thursday, 22 February 2024 11:05 AM

seems you don't know the price of oil these days. btw studying in oil lamp is a peaceful experience. in the war times , while you were busy with enjoying cricket , students in jaffna studied using oil lamp and now lot of them are in a better jobs than you.

HALUCINATING BOTTLE LAMP IDIOT Thursday, 22 February 2024 12:04 PM

IAM 72 AND CANNOT RECALL FOVERNMENT SUPPLYING FREE ELECTRICITY TO ANYONE, NOT EVEN THE POOR AND DISADVANTAGED, SO WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT? CITIZENS WANT CHEAPER ELECTRICITY, NOT FREE ELECTRICITY!! YOU SHOULD SEEK IMMEDIATE HELP AND GET YOUR HEAD EXAMINED!! IF YOU ARE A PRODUCT OF STUDYING BY BOTTLE LAMP, YOU MUST HAVE GOT YOUR POSITION BY SUCKING UPTO A CORRUPT INDIVIDUAL, NOT FOR YOUR EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AS YOU HAVE ONLY PROVED TO THE CITIZENS THAT YOU HAVE A WARPED MIND AND LIVING IN A WORLD OF YOUR OWN. YOU SHOULD RESIGN OR BE SACKED.

Anton Jones Thursday, 22 February 2024 03:22 PM

Hope this guy Noel Priyantha is the Chief Communicatins and Marketing officer in the CEB. He is the Mouth Piece and Voice of CEB. Considering all views expressed by viewers, it is high time that CEB higher Management must make a public apology. This guy should be sacked from the CEB as early as possible.

Nandapala Thumodara Thursday, 22 February 2024 03:39 PM

This Gon Man must be part or full body of Rajapassa with empty head! Must be sacked if we have a Minster - minister has no bones and licking MaRa back for survival!

Waco Friday, 23 February 2024 08:54 AM

Tell the people to repair their old Block-Carts, Buggies and Hakaries repair and in readiness , to face fuel shortages.

Roy Friday, 23 February 2024 11:02 AM

This idot must be sacked forthwith

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CEB spokesman suggests students should study by oil lamp

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