Government Managing Energy Crisis Without Burdening Public - Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya says the government has managed the ongoing energy crisis through a sustainable energy management process without placing additional burdens on the public.

Addressing the sixth meeting of the committee appointed to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of the public service, held today (15) at the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Amarasuriya stated that the government has borne the associated costs while protecting the public from hardship. However, she emphasized that the crisis is still not over.

The meeting focused on sustainable energy management and future measures to strengthen the country’s energy security.

During discussions, it was decided to appoint an “Energy Manager” for every government institution to promote energy conservation within the public sector and encourage greater use of renewable energy sources.

Attention was also given to transforming government buildings under the Green Building Concept as part of the national “Clean Sri Lanka” programme.

Officials discussed the possibility of introducing future fuel concessions, replacing the current odd-even fuel distribution system with a QR code-based method, and increasing fuel quotas. Authorities stated that sufficient fuel stocks are currently available until August and that requests have already been made for fuel supplies for the remaining months of the year.

The meeting also focused on educating schoolchildren on electricity conservation under the Clean Sri Lanka initiative. Discussions included recognizing households that efficiently manage electricity consumption and promoting awareness through schools.

Future construction projects based on the Green Building Concept were also discussed.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya noted that due to effective government management, the public has not experienced severe disruptions despite the ongoing energy crisis. She pointed out that several countries continue to face fuel queues and power cuts, while Sri Lanka has so far managed to avoid such conditions.

She stressed the need for continued vigilance, sustainable energy management, and public awareness programmes, while also emphasizing the importance of ensuring an uninterrupted electricity supply during Vesak Week.

The meeting was attended by senior government officials, including Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, Chief of Staff to the President Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Senior Additional Secretary to the President G.G.S.P. Roshan, as well as officials representing the ministries of Public Administration, Health, Transport, and Energy.