CID probes illegal water release from reservoirs
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has launched an investigation into the illegal release of water from the Randenigala and Rantambe reservoirs while the country is facing a severe power crisis.
The investigation is being carried out following a complaint lodged with the IGP by the Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board.
A special police team of the CID has visited the Randenigala and Rantambe reservoirs and recorded statements from 17 officers in charge of the reservoirs.
The CID has observed that this national crime had taken place from 12.00 midnight on the 08th to 2.00 pm on the 9th.
It has been revealed to the CID that the water was released in vain through a canal that supplies water to the farms without generating electricity through turbines.
Investigations by the CID have revealed that the National Power Grid had to purchase electricity from two private thermal power plants on that day due to the illegal release of water reserved for electricity generation.
It is also stated that the amount paid to the relevant private power plants to purchase thermal power is 162 million rupees.
The CID stated that further investigations are underway to determine whether the release of water and the use of electricity from private power plants were done for the personal benefit of a group of CEB officials.