Cabinet paper to strip PUCSL of its powers

Experts warn that trimming the Public Utility Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) of its responsibilities will create more leeway for corrupt activity to take place.

Speaking at the media briefing yesterday, Duushana Vidu Nethin Secretary Eng. Anil Ranasinghe presented evidence of the Cabinet paper that was put together and signed by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera, Power, Energy and Business Development Minister Ravi Karunanayake, and Highways, Road Development and Petroleum Resources Development Minister Kabir Hashim.

Eng. Ranasinghe claims that Article 11 of the paper suggests the idea of stripping PUCSL of its responsibilities and handing them over to the Ministry, so that it falls under the purview of the Power Minister.

“The paper begins stating that the Ministry is hoping to implement projects to generate 1800MW of solar energy, 650MW of wind energy, 200MW of Biomass and 100MW of solid waste projects by 2022. This is unrealistic to begin with, and it is a distraction. In Article 7 they mention construction of additional transmission capacity at the Ports of Colombo, Galle, Hambantota and Trincomalee. If the afore-mentioned projects will be implemented and fulfilled, there will be no need for additional power. Then they mention the transfer of PUCSL powers to the Ministry,” Ranasinghe added.

Dated 28 May 2019, this Cabinet paper is yet to be presented to Parliament for approval. The experts urged the public to stand against this move.