Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody has refuted media reports claiming that the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is debt-free at present.
Addressing the Parliament today, Minister Jayakody said that the CEB has a debt of Rs. 323 Billion and that the government has not taken over any of its debts as of now.
“There are rumours going around, especially via media. The PUCSL has also made a comment in this regard. However, the CEB is still paying its debts and the Treasury/government has not taken over any of the debts,” he said.
Minister Kumara Jayakody made the remarks in response to MP Dayasiri Jayasekara’s question on the CEB having reported a profit of Rs. 167 billion and being debt-free.
Furthermore, inquiring about the government’s pledges to reduce electricity tariffs soon, MP Jayasekera questioned why the government has said it cannot do so even by June this year.
“President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says that steps will be taken to reduce the electricity tariff by more than 30% in the near future, says a news report. Does near future mean three years? Why are you’ll lying?” the MP questioned.
Responding, Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody said the government never mentioned a short period and that the plan was for a period within the next three years. (Newswire)
“President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says that steps will be taken to reduce the electricity tariff by more than 30% in the near future, says a news report. Does near future mean three years? Why are you’ll lying?” questioned MP Dayasiri Jayasekera, inquiring about the… pic.twitter.com/1updMGoBlf
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