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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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A few showers expected today

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A few showers will occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in the Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts today (July 01), the Department of Meteorology.

Fairly strong winds of about 30-40kmph can be expected at times over the Western slopes of the central hills and in the Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in the Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.

The general public has been requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

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Fuel prices upped

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The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has announced a revision of fuel prices, effective from midnight today (June 30).

The price of Petrol 92 Octane has been increased by Rs. 12 to Rs. 305 per litre, while the price of Kerosene has been increased by Rs. 07 to Rs. 185 per litre. The price of Auto Diesel has also been increased by Rs. 15, bringing it to Rs. 289 per litre.

However, the prices of Petrol 95 Octane and Super Diesel remain unchanged, according to Ceypetco.

The new fuel prices are as follows:

• Petrol Octane 92 – Rs. 305 (increased by Rs. 12)
• Auto Diesel – Rs. 289 (increased by Rs. 15)
• Kerosene – Rs. 185 (increased by Rs. 7)
• Petrol Octane 95 – Rs. 341 (not revised)
• Super Diesel – Rs. 325 (not revised)

Meanwhile, Lanka IOC has also revised retail fuel prices to match Ceypetco prices.

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Ex-minister Gamini Lokuge passes away

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Former Minister and veteran politician Gamini Lokuge has passed away today (June 30) at the age of 82.

Commencing his political career in 1960 as a member of the United National Party, his first successful national-level campaign came in 1983, when he was elected by a clear majority to represent the Kesbewa District.

He served as Minister of Tourism during the UNP-led governments in 1989 and 2002. In 2006, following personal disagreements with then UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, he crossed over to the government of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

In January 2007, Lokuge was appointed Minister of Sports and Public Recreation. He was re-elected to Parliament in both 2010 and 2015.

On 27 November 2019, he was appointed State Minister for Urban Development, and on 12 August 2020, he assumed duties as the Cabinet Minister of Transport.

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