Sri Lanka, Feb. 21 -- Colombo, Feb 21 () - Spokesman for the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), Noel Priyantha, stirred a controversy during a recent television programme by suggesting that children should resort to studying using oil lamps if necessary, citing the precedent set by previous generations who excelled in their studies under similar conditions.

Priyantha made these remarks while addressing concerns over the escalating electricity prices in Sri Lanka.

In response to queries about the adverse effects of power disconnections due to unpaid bills, he acknowledged the hardships faced by consumers but attributed them to a shift from a culture of free electricity.

Highlighting that electricity charges had remained stagnant for nearly...