Govt. can’t control prices, but supply will remain uninterrupted: New Energy Minister

Colombo, April 21 (Daily Mirror) - New Energy Minister Anura Karunathilake said that the government’s primary objective remains the consistent and uninterrupted delivery of essential services, specifically electricity and fuel, to the public.

He said that national energy policies will stay steady and aligned with long-term objectives, irrespective of ministry portfolio changes.

Minister Anura Karunathilake made these remarks after assuming duties as the new Minister of Energy. Former Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody also attended the event.

Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilake has been appointed as the Minister of Energy by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake following the resignation of Kumara Jayakody on April 17. Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody and the Secretary to the Ministry, Prof. Udayanga Hemapala submitted their letters of resignation to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on April 17.This decision was reportedly taken to facilitate an impartial and independent investigation by the Special Presidential Commission appointed to probe matters related to coal imports.

Minister Karunathilake also addressed recent criticisms from the Opposition regarding transparency and management within the ministry.

He challenged critics to present any specific evidence of corruption or irregularities to the proper authorities, such as the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), or the President’s Special Investigation Commission.

He said that the ministry is open to scrutiny but urged parties to follow legal channels rather than merely making allegations through media conferences.

"I think as the new Minister, there aren't many special steps for me to take. Because as the former Minister, the Deputy Ministers, and the team of officials, they have already taken the necessary basic steps. If those plans that have been made are implemented, we won't need to go for a power cut. Therefore, I think as the Minister, what I really have to do is to provide the policy support required to maintain those activities successfully and to provide the necessary state intervention," the minister said.

Responding to concerns about potential power cuts, the Minister reassured the nation that there are currently no plans for scheduled outages. He criticized certain Opposition members who suggested that the government should be implementing daily power cuts, describing such views as being out of touch with the public's needs.

Karunathilake said that ongoing plans are being carried out efficiently to ensure a stable energy supply.

The Minister acknowledging that while certain external factors, such as global fuel prices and Middle East situation, are beyond the government's direct control, the administration is committed to minimizing the impact on the citizenry.

"Some events regarding price, we might not be able to control. But under any conditions, we will ensure the continuous supply of electricity and continuous supply of fuel," the minister said.