Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has raised concerns over the government’s move to increase electricity tariffs despite its previous promise to reduce them by one-third.
He pointed out that the government, during the election period, assured a reduction in electricity bills – for instance, lowering a Rs. 9,000 bill to Rs. 6,000 and a Rs. 3,000 bill to Rs. 2,000.
However, despite public pressure leading to a general 20% reduction, the Minister of Power has now indicated that electricity prices may rise again soon.
MP Premadasa questioned how the government could justify an increase when it had earlier claimed that a revised electricity pricing formula would be more people-friendly.
Speaking in Parliament today, he urged the government to reconsider the decision, highlighting the potential negative impact on new investments as well as ordinary citizens.
His remarks come after Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody had said there was a possibility for electricity tariffs to increase in the future.
Addressing the media, Minister Kumara Jayakody said the prevalent drought conditions will affect electricity generation costs, which could lead to a tariff increase. (Newswire)