The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched an investigation into the illegal release of water from the Randenigala and Rantambe reservoirs, without using them to generate power during a power crisis in the country.
The investigation is being carried out following a complaint lodged with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) by the Chairman of Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).
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 crime had taken place from 12.00 noon on June 8 to 2.00 pm on June 9.
It has been revealed to the CID that the water was released in vain through a canal that supplies water to the farm lands without using them to generate electricity through hydropower turbines.
Investigations by the CID have revealed that the the CEB had to supplement the National Power Grid with purchase of electricity from two private thermal power plants on that day due to the wasted release of water to generate electricity.
It is also stated that the amount paid to the relevant private power plants for this period is Rs.162 million. According to the CID, further investigations are underway to determine whether the release of water and the supply of electricity from private power plants was done for the personal benefit of a group of CEB officials.