Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says the people struggling due to the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah have been slapped with increased fuel prices and now there are proposals to raise electricity tariffs as well.
Speaking under Standing Order 27(2) in parliament, Premadasa stated that although the incumbent government had come to power promising to reduce electricity bills by 30% within three years by shifting from fuel based power generation to cheaper renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydro, it has instead abandoned those pledges and is acting against the aspirations of the people.
The Opposition Leader questioned the government’s proposal to increase electricity tariffs.
He also pointed out that the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has requested the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) to approve an 11.57% tariff hike for the first quarter of 2026 to cover its losses.
He asked whether the government had assessed the impact of such an increase on low and middle income households and state institutions, and why it has failed to fulfill its election promise of reducing tariffs by one third through a transparent pricing mechanism.
He further said that the time given for public comments on the new energy policy is unfair and should be extended, especially as the country is facing crises.
Premadasa noted that removing competitive tariff structures for industries would be unjust to large consumers using over 5 million units, and demanded comparative reports if subsidies are to be withdrawn.
According to Premadasa, while the government once promised to reduce electricity bills by 33%, it has now increased fuel prices again, despite global prices falling, and continues to break election pledges.
The Opposition Leader accused the government of being trapped by International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions, raising both fuel and electricity prices, and worsening the hardships of the people.
Meanwhile, Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody has assured that the government will implement its promise of reducing electricity tariffs.
Jayakody told parliament that per the government’s policy statement, electricity tariffs will be reduced by 30% within 3 years.
“Don’t be in a hurry, be patient a little longer. Our policy statement states that we will reduce the electricity bill by 30% within 3 years,” he said.
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