Online petition in support of PUCSL Chief ahead of P’ment debate next week for his removal

Public Utilities Commission Chairman Janaka Ratnayake

Ahead of a Parliamentary debate next week over the proposed removal of Public Utilities Commission (PUCSL) Chairman Janaka Ratnayake, a group called Electricity Users of Sri Lanka has launched an online petition in support of opposing the Government’s move.

Over 200 have signed the online petition available at https://chng.it/QQ672x29cy

Last week Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera tabled a motion in Parliament proposing Ratnayake’s removal and the debate will be on 24 May. 

The motion comes after several months of public spats and disagreements between the Minister and Ratnayake over power cuts, electricity tariff hikes and other key decisions. Ratnayake was seen vehemently opposing and challenging decisions taken by the Minister in this regard.

Prior to the motion being tabled in parliament, a charge sheet signed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe was also reportedly sent to Ratnayake on 22 March.

In January this year, Wijesekara announced his decision to remove Ratnayake from the post after weeks of clashes between the duo. The motion was also presented just a day after the Commission led by Ratnayake demanded an immediate 20% reduction in electricity tariff citing a drop in demand, lower exchange rate and fuel prices as compelling and justifiable reasons for such a move.

Separately Ratnayake expressed his intentions to contest the 2024 Presidential election as an independent candidate if he is removed from PUCSL post.

The online petition stated that “the unjustified escalation of fuel prices and electricity tariffs has had a severe impact on the entire population of Sri Lanka. It is evident that the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, led by Chairman Janaka Ratnayake, has fearlessly voiced their concerns about these hikes in a transparent manner. As dedicated and independent government officials, they have worked diligently to consider the welfare of the people and the hardships they face.

In February 2023, Janaka Ratnayake opposed the unjust increase in electricity tariffs, and this week, the Ceylon Electricity Board has acknowledged the correctness of his decision by proposing a reduction in electricity tariffs once again.

During the A Level examinations of 2022/23, Janaka Ratnayake took legal action against the Ceylon Electricity Board, Ministry of Power and Energy, and the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation. He emphasised the need to provide uninterrupted power to students during these crucial exams. Unfortunately, the deliberate failure of the CEB and the Minister resulted in Advanced Level students being deprived of uninterrupted electricity.

Janaka Ratnayake was the first to publicly disclose the government’s plans to privatise state-owned power stations, including Mahaweli Power Station, Lakshapana Hydro Power Station, and other hydro power stations. His public disclosure was seen as criticism by the Power Minister, Kanchana Wijesekera. Consequently, a proposal has been submitted to Parliament to falsely transform these facts into accusations and remove Janaka Ratnayake from his position in the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka.

In response to the baseless accusations and charges presented by Minister Kanchana Wijesekera, Janaka Ratnayake has provided compelling responses. It is important to note that the Members of Parliament who support the proposal to remove Janaka Ratnayake as Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka are acting against the wishes of the voters who entrusted them with power.

We strongly urge all Sri Lankans to unite and sign this petition, standing against the flawed political system and rejecting the proposal submitted to Parliament for the removal of Chairman Janaka Ratnayake.”