CEB acknowledges fault in lightning strike preparedness

• CEB claims installing advanced lightning protection is expensive

By Kelum Bandara

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has admitted its failure to take measures in advance for the prevention of a countrywide power outage in the event of a lightning strike, an official said.The country experienced a power outage after the main Kotmale- Biyagama transmission line tripped due to a lightning strike. 

Asked about the reason, Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission (PUCSL) Prof. Manjula Fernando told Daily Mirror that the CEB admitted its fault in taking preventive measures. However, he said it involves a huge cost for the CEB to install advanced methods to prevent damage from lightning.

“The commission, at its meeting next month, will discuss measures to be taken,” he said.