• Criticises bill’s drafters for lack of constitutional awareness and urges them to retain their professional integrity 
• Argues bill gives too much power to subject Minister and could lead to unfair electricity price hikes
• Suggests delaying privatisation of the CEB until a new President and Government are elected

Former PUCSL Chairperson Janaka Ratnayake

Former Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) Chairperson and Presidential hopeful Janaka Ratnayake yesterday criticised the professionals involved in drafting the new Sri Lanka Electricity Act after the Supreme Court found that it is inconsistent with the constitution. 

Addressing the media following the ruling, Ratnayake said it should be required for the professionals involved in drafting the bill to be aware of its constitutionality. 

“Professionals should retain the dignity of their profession and ensure they protect the rights of the public when drafting a law relating to an important facility such as electricity,” he said. 

The former PUCSL Chief said the Supreme Court has suggested certain powers given to the Minister of Power and Energy under the draft bill be removed. 

“Licence issues for power generation needed recommendations of the Minister but the Supreme Court in its proposed amendments had suggested it will not require recommendations from the Minister going forward,” Ratnayake noted. 

He said the draft was brought forward to ensure the Minister could increase electricity tariffs according to his whims and fancies. 

Ratnayake opined that an institution slated to gain $ 700 million in profits this year should not be privatised in a hurried manner. “The best option is to allow the next President and Government to decide on the restructuring efforts of the CEB,” Ratnayake added. 

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