Based on a request by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) took steps recently to reduce electricity tariffs for all consumer categories including residential, industrial, religious and educational. This measure was initiated by Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara on the instructions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The Rs. 12 charged for less than 30 units of electricity was reduced to Rs. 8, a decrease of 33.3 percent. They also decided to reduce electricity tariffs for all places of worship by 33 percent. Charges were also lowered by 28 percent for consumers who use 31-60 units of electricity, by 30 percent for 61-90 units, and by 24 percent for 91-180 units.
Electricity tariffs for homes, hotels and factories were reduced by 18 percent; general purpose category electricity tariffs were reduced by 23 percent, public sector by 22 percent and street lights (operated by Local Government bodies and some Government agencies) by 20 percent. We reached out to religious dignitaries to obtain their views in this regard.
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We welcome this decision
– Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobitha Thera,
Chief Prelate of Dakshina Lanka,
Chief Incumbent of Bodhiraja Dharmayatana,
Embilipitiya
“We thank the Government, the CEB and the PUCSL for this action. But the hike that happened last season was by different percentages, but in general, the electricity charges in temples and other places of worship increased by around 500 percent, which was unbearable to many places of worship especially in rural and remote areas. That situation also affected the general public as well as businesses and industries in a very bad way. More than 200 factories had to be closed, resulting in job losses for thousands. Many organisations such as religious, consumer and civil society groups pressured the Government to reduce the electricity tariffs, but it was not reduced at that time citing various reasons.
Public organisations pointed out to the Government that the CEB has no losses and but profits thanks to abundant rain and hydropower generation. The previous losses were due to the lack of a proper system for collecting profits and the carelessness of the CEB administration. That is why the electricity tariffs were raised. Public organisations lobbied to reduce the electricity tariff by 33 percent or more, but tariffs have been reduced by only 21 percent on average.
To restart the factories that have been shut down and undo the injustice done to sacred places, the electricity tariffs should be reduced by at least 33 percent across the board. Thank you for reducing the tariffs to some extent, but it is not enough. At the same time, public organisations and power experts point out that steps should be taken to develop Renewable Energy (RE) sources and plants rapidly. They said that we should generate electricity using natural resources such as wind, solar, geothermal and even tidal (wave) energy, which is a relatively new technique used in some coastal countries.
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It gives hope to people in distress
– Ven. Murutthettuwe Ananda Thera,
Chief Incumbent of Narahenpita Abhayaramaya Temple
In a situation where the people are economically distressed, the measures taken to reduce the electricity tariffs can be seen as a great relief. Electricity is no longer a luxury, despite claims to the contrary by certain officials. Also, it is commendable for the Government to take such a step at a time when the country is still emerging from the 2022 economic crisis. It is good to continue this way until the country reaches a certain position of stability and necessary action should be taken against those who do not pay electricity bills after a grace period.
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We appreciate the concession during this difficult time
– Ven. Pahiyangala Ananda Sagara Thera,
President of Surakimu Sri Lanka Organisation
The country and the people are facing a very difficult economic situation.
Therefore, measures should be taken to reduce the electricity tariffs to some extent by providing concessionary tariffs to religious places, industries, residences and other affected parties such as the hospitality industry.
In this context, the electricity tariff reduction is a commendable move. The CEB is making profits now and there should be a bigger focus on RE sources for power generation.
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Action should be taken to curb fraud and corruption
– Archdiocesan Director of Mass Communications Rev. Jude Krishantha
This relief is a great consolation when people are under great economic pressure. But since people do not have money in their hand, the financial donations received by all places of worship have been reduced. We cannot influence that in any way. We take what the congregations willingly give. Therefore, the Government should go for a program that strengthens the people economically. Also, steps should be taken to reduce fraud and corruption in State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) such as the CEB. For that, the model should move from top to bottom as done in many other countries.
Also, we should be more enthusiastic and dedicated about the production of electricity from resources such as solar and wind so that the country will be able to generate the majority of power that way, reducing our excessive dependence on coal and fossil fuels. By doing so the industries currently facing a crisis can be revived and relief provided to the people who are suffering from various issues including the high cost-of-living and unemployment.
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This decision deserves plaudits
– Dr. Sivasari Ramachandra Kurukal Babu Sharma,
Coordinator of Hindu Religious Affairs
The decision taken by the Government to reduce electricity tariffs for all sectors is laudable. And if it is possible to reduce the tariffs further by any margin, the CEB and the PUCSL should pay attention to that too.
The religious community thanks the Government for this bold decision. If the country prospers economically, the Government will hopefully be in a position to give more concessions.
Therefore, the Government should work to provide all possible relief to the people while working towards the country’s economic recovery.
(Translated by Jonathan Frank)
