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Cabinet approves electricity tariff hikes under 2 steps!

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Although the electricity tariff has been increased in the past, it is not sufficient to cover the loss of the electricity board and thus, the request to increase the electricity bill has received cabinet approval.

The aforesaid was disclosed at the Sub Committee on Identifying the Short & Medium-Term Programmes related to Economic Stabilization of the National Council held yesterday (29).

Accordingly, the Cabinet has approved to increase the electricity tariffs under two steps in January and June 2023 and accordingly the relevant measures are to be taken for the purpose of obtaining approval of the Public Utility Commission, said Mr. Rohan Seneviratne, Additional General Manager of the Electricity Board.

This was disclosed at the Sub Committee on Identifying the Short & Medium-Term Programmes related to Economic Stabilization of the National Council held under the Chairmanship of Patali Champika Ranawaka, Member of Parliament.

The representatives of the government and private institutions related to the power sector were called before the Committee to obtain proposals for the purpose of solving the issues in the power sector.

In order to cover the current loss, the electricity bill should increase by about 70%, the electricity board representatives said.

The chairman of the committee also pointed out the dangers such as the collapse of businesses even if the electricity tariffs are increased with the aim of covering the loss of the electricity board.

It was also disclosed that the Electricity Board currently owes nearly 650 billion rupees as loans to various parties including banks and electricity suppliers. Electricity Board representative stated that out of the amount to be paid, nearly 35 billion rupees are to be paid to the organizations that supplied renewable energy and 75 billion rupees are to be paid for Thermal power suppliers. Thus, it was said that it is expected to least make part payment to the suppliers from the 50-billion-rupee loan expected to receive.

The representatives of the renewable energy sector including solar energy and the representatives of other private institutions related to the power sector briefed the committee about their concerns and the reforms that should take place in the power sector.

The State Minister for Power and Energy – Indika Anuruddha was also present at the Committee meeting held. The state minister, who joined the discussion with the representatives of the power sector, said that he would work to provide solutions to these problems.

State Minister – Sivanesathurai Santhirakanthan as well as Members of Parliament Mano Ganesan and M. Rameshwaran were present at this Committee meeting held.

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Vote on Account for first four months of 2025 passed in Parliament

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The resolution for the Vote on Account, ensuring government operations and debt servicing for the initial four months of 2025, was passed in Parliament yesterday (6) without a vote. 

The debate on the resolution, initially presented on 3 December, spanned two days.

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US delegation discusses economic and governance reforms with foreign minister

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A U.S. delegation led by Assistant Secretary Donald Lu met with Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath to congratulate Sri Lanka’s new administration. Discussions focused on shared priorities, including economic and governance reforms, with plans for tailored programs, capacity-building, and technical assistance to benefit the Sri Lankan people.

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CAA seizes bottled water stock in Hemmatagama over violations

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The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) raided a factory in Hemmatagama, Mawanella, seizing over 3,000 bottles of drinking water prepared for distribution.

Investigations revealed that the factory’s Health Ministry registration certificate had expired and was obtained using false information. The seized stock included bottles of varying sizes from 500 ml to 19 liters.

The CAA emphasized that falsely claiming standards or endorsements violates the CAA Act, and legal action will be taken against the violators. Regular raids are conducted to prevent consumer deception.

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