He made these observations participating at a press briefing held to inform of the programmes to mark President's first year in office.

He said that the most important project undertaken by the government was to provide electricity to 100 percent of the population in the country from 98 percent. As an initial measure 100 percent of the Polonnaruwa District population will get elelctricity under the auspices of President Sirisena on Jan.12.

Also the Minister said during the four months the government was able to give permanent appointments to around 2500 out of more than 5000 temporary manpower employees of the CEB.

On January 8, the President will be completing one year in office and we are prepared to provide electricity connections to anyone without an initial connection fee, he said and added that this fee could be paid in 60 instalments within a period of 5 years.

He pointed out that if the consumers could be given the message to fulfil their electricity needs during off peak hours, it would help to reduce the generation cost.

By introducing smart meters to all electricity consumers both consumers and suppliers (CEB and LECO) can be benefited in many ways. Initiating pre-paid electricity service, creating efficient electricity consumption patterns, establishing an efficient electricity consumption system and power and energy management are some of the special benefits anticipated by smart meter installation.