SJB to move courts if Govt. attempts to hike electricity tariffs

• Chief Opposition whip says Power and Energy Minister has no authority under Electricity Act to increase electricity tariffs
• Says the Cabinet cannot violate the Electricity Act by approving the proposed revision
• Claims Govt. is attempting to cover its losses caused by corruption through increase in electricity tariffs

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya is set to move courts if the Government arbitrarily attempts to increase electricity tariffs. 

The Minister of Power and Energy has not either read or understood the Sri Lanka Electricity Act which sets out that the subject Minister only has the power to formulate policies, Chief Opposition Whip and Kandy District MP Lakshman Kiriella said.

Kiriella pointed out that according to Article 30 of the Act, only the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka can determine the unit price of electricity. “Even then it must be discussed with consumers. Has the Minister held a discussion with anyone?” Kiriella asked.

“Therefore, I challenge the Minister to point out where it mentions he can increase electricity tariffs. Though the Cabinet approves the proposed hike, it cannot be deemed legal. Even the Cabinet must work according to the law. It cannot violate the Electricity Act. Perhaps that is why the revision has now been put off by a week. We will go to courts if the tariffs are increased arbitrarily,” Kiriella said.

The Opposition Whip made these comments attending a press conference yesterday at the Opposition leader’s office in Colombo.

Noting that the Ceylon Electricity Board has recorded profits in the last three months, Kiriella accused the Government of attempting to cover losses due to corruption and irregularities by increasing electricity tariffs. “This cannot be allowed,” he noted.

Commenting on the Local Government polls, Kiriella revealed the Government is attempting to force district returning officers to submit reports claiming elections cannot be held at this juncture.

“The people can give the Government a message through an election. They engaged in a struggle because they weren’t able to give the Government a message. But the Government has attempted every tactic possible to delay polls. They are now attempting to force district returning officers to submit reports claiming elections cannot be held at this juncture. But we call on these state employees to not support such an attempt. The whole country is waiting for an election,” Kiriella said.

The MP said the SJB has already gone to court to challenge any attempt to delay polls. 

“We have requested for the case to be called on January 18,” he said, adding that the country’s situation will worsen if elections are delayed any further.