He said that the Government will focus on how the consumers are to be relieved from the burden of higher electricity bills soon. ‘The consumers should receive the benefits when electricity production in the country increases’, he stated.

The Government focused on alternative energy sources to generate electricity with the escalation of oil prices in the world market, the President stated and also noted that power cuts were imposed when a power shortage arose in the country and diesel power generating plants were brought to the country as a solution to the power shortage.

The highest percentage of national expenditure goes towards purchasing fuel to operate these diesel power plants, he said.

President Rajapaksa further said that during his official visit to Russia, he discussed with the Russian President the possibility of importing fuel directly from Russia without a third party mediation. He said the Russian President agreed to send a delegation to look into this matter.

The President further stated that the Government placed enormous faith in the potential of local expertise. He added that the Kerawalapitiya power plant is a clear sign of Government’s trust in its own professionals as the construction was handled by local engineers.