Cabinet approves purchase of 100MW of electricity to provide uninterrupted power supply

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The cabinet paper to purchase 100 MW of electricity has been approved in order to provide an uninterrupted supply of electricity throughout the country. The purchasing will continue for a period of six months. The cabinet has approved the purchase of power from three companies from the UK, UAE and Hong Kong based on the Standing Procurement Committee's recommendations. It was reported that each unit will be purchased at a price between Rs. 28 and Rs. 31. Meanwhile, a ministerial committee headed by the Prime Minister has been appointed to propose short term, medium and long term measures to address the electricity crisis. The committee consists of Ministers Mangala Samaraweera, Ravi Karunanayeka, Kabir Hashim and Sagala Ratnayaka. Meanwhile, Cabinet has cancelled the underperforming enterprises Act No. 43 of 2011 that was approved by the government to renaissance the underutilized enterprises and the underutilized assets. The government states that this act discourages investors due to uncertainty and ultimately leads to adverse effects on the economy of the country. The proposal was submitted by Minister Lakshman Kiriella.

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