Despite the change in the Energy Ministry, Energy Minister Anura Karunathilake has stressed that the government’s basic policy is to continue providing essential services such as electricity and fuel to the people. He said this while addressing the media after assuming duties as the Energy Minister.
He said that the national energy policy is being maintained consistently based on long-term goals and that the ministry is being maintained with transparency and good management. Responding to the criticism leveled by the opposition, the Minister requested that if there is any concrete evidence of corruption or irregularities, it be submitted to the Bribery or Corruption Investigation Commission, the Criminal Investigation Department or the Presidential Special Investigation Commission.
Elaborating further, the Minister said:
“As the new Minister, I do not need to take any special steps. The former Minister, Deputy Ministers and the board of officials have already taken the necessary initial steps. If those plans are implemented, we will not need to go through a power cut. My job is to provide the necessary policy and state intervention to successfully maintain those activities.”
The Minister said that although the rise in global fuel prices and the unrest in the Middle East are factors beyond the government’s control, the government is committed to minimizing their impact on the public. “We may not be able to control certain price-related events. But we will continue to provide electricity and fuel under any circumstances,” he further assured.
Former Minister Kumara Jayakody, who resigned recently, was also present at the event.