Electricity tariff hike will cause a revolt: Prof. Charitha Herath

• Calls on Pohottuwa ministers to refrain from approving proposed electricity tariff hike
• Advises Power and Energy Minister to consult experts prior to making important decisions
• Says the Freedom People’s Congress has prepared a program to overcome economic and political challenges faced by the country
• Claims delay in polls is taking the country towards destruction leading the democratic model into crisis

Prof. Charitha Herath

Freedom People’s Congress Prof. Charitha Herath says a hike in electricity tariffs at this juncture will cause a revolt in the country. Noting that the electricity tariffs are already unaffordable to the public, the MP said it was unfair to

burden the public. “A mafia is in operation when it comes to power and energy in Sri Lanka. Necessary legislation has been introduced but no action has been taken,” he noted.

The MP called on all cabinet ministers to carefully study the cabinet paper on electricity tariffs revisions before granting their approval to it. “I ask those in the Pohottuwa to not lift your hand in agreement to this and become substance less persons. I also call on the subject minister to consult an expert prior to taking important decisions as failing to do so in the past caused great damage to the economy, society, and politics,” he said.

Herath made these comments while addressing a press conference at the party office on Monday.

The MP said steps must be taken to reduce generation costs instead of burdening the public. Herath said while a party to the Government had claimed an election will result in a revolt, the MP said it is decisions like these to increase tariffs that will in fact cause a revolt. “I call on the Government to refrain from taking incorrect decisions,” he said.

Herath said the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka Act is important and therefore the Public Utilities Commission (PUCSL) cannot be disregarded. “The PUCSL is against the proposed hike. Therefore, it should take legal action without any fear,” the MP said, adding that there is a mechanism to adjust electricity tariffs. “The tariffs must be revised accordingly,” he added.

Commenting on the current political atmosphere in the country, Herath said a new mandate will be necessary this year. According to Herath, it is important to end the distortion that has taken place in the country’s political system and the opportunity to ensure this will arise in 2023.

“We have prepared the necessary program to overcome the challenges in the economic and political of this country in 2023. The year 2022 was one in which various acts were committed in violation of the constitution and democracy,” he said. “These acts have distorted the country’s democratic politics. It is more important to eliminate the distortion that has occurred than which polls will be held. That is why the election is necessary.” he added.

The MP opined that the delay in polls is taking the country towards destruction. “This could lead the whole democratic model into crisis,” he said. According to the MP, 2023 must be a year of vast political changes.