The Ceylon Electricity Board has suspended action on applications for new supply connections. This decision of the CEB came as a bolt from the blue that all potential power consumers were taken aback. People are aware of the present power crisis. However, the suspension of new supply lines, according to media reports, is mainly due to the shortage of necessary material.

Corruption and mismanagement at the CEB has received wide publicity. Except for the interdiction of a few corrupt officials manifestly no action has been taken by the CEB to improve the present administrative system which provides incentives for corrupt officials.

Anyhow, the sudden decision to suspend new power supply lines is a retrograde step as it will in turn retard some of the development work, apart form the problems created for those waiting to occupy their new houses.

Such stupidity on the part of the CEB in decision making exposes the fact that its activities need a closer scrutiny by the Ministry concerned.
G. Weerawardene
Colombo 4