Thanks to PUCSL for not increasing electricity tariffs as proposed by the government - Opposition Leader

Below is the statement made by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa regarding the revision of electricity tariffs.

"The matter we continuously emphasized to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the current government is to fulfill election promises. Fulfill exactly what was told to the people on the election platform. Reduce the electricity bill by 33% as promised.

However, instead of working to reduce the electricity bill, the government proposed an 11.57% tariff increase. Today, we are grateful for the decision taken by the Public Utilities Commission to reject this electricity tariff hike proposed by the government.

We further request the Public Utilities Commission to implement the social contract established by the current government with the people. This government is bound to fulfill promises such as reducing the electricity bill by 33%, meaning reducing a Rs. 9000 bill to Rs. 6000, and a Rs. 3000 bill to Rs. 2000. This social contract between the voter and the government appointed by the voter stands above any other agreement. Therefore, it must definitely be implemented.

As of today, the current government has created a false power policy, working to strengthen the coal, fuel, and thermal power plant mafias in the country. Back then, they promised to protect renewable energy. But the current government, on one hand, is repeatedly striking over 7 million electricity consumers by increasing the electricity bill, while on the other hand, it is working to destroy renewable energy.

We will not allow the current government, which is clearly subservient to the fuel and thermal power plant mafia, to violate the rights of electricity consumers in this country.

The struggle we waged has been successful today. We led the movement to protect the rights of electricity consumers both inside Parliament and through protests on the streets outside. We extend our gratitude to the Public Utilities Commission. You worked to protect the rights of over 7 million electricity consumers.

We will continue our populist, pro-people movement until those promises are fulfilled. Furthermore, we will play our utmost role in protecting and securing renewable energy.

Once again, we express our gratitude to the Public Utilities Commission. You worked to protect the rights of over 7 million electricity consumers. The government must work to reduce the electricity bill by 33% as promised during the election. We will always lead the fight for the common people of this country and for the rights of the electricity consumer community."