Former Minister Ali Sabry has questioned the government’s motives behind the proposed reduction in rooftop solar feed-in tariffs, highlighting that it only helps those benefiting from crises and not the public.
In a post on Facebook, Ali Sabry pointed out that in 2023, 52% of Sri Lanka’s electricity came from Thermal power burning oil and coal, stating that it was at a staggering cost of Rs. 407.5 billion, which was 87% of the total generation cost.
He went on to note that 48% of the electricity generated through renewable energy, such as large-hydro, solar, wind, and small-hydro, was received at a cost of Rs. 63.1 billion, which was only 13% of the total cost.
“Almost half the electricity at a fraction of the cost. Yet, policies are being introduced that disincentivise rooftop solar, such as drastically reducing the tariff paid for solar units. Who does that help?” he questioned.
Ali Sabry pointed out that this move benefits only the Diesel Mafia, those who profit from Sri Lanka’s dependency on imported fossil fuels.
He further urged the government to consider holding back on their reduction until thermal power is phased out, which he hinted was a long way to go.
Stating whether the government was serious about reducing electricity bills, building energy independence, and protecting the environment, the former minister made the following three key suggestions
- Promote rooftop solar, not punish those who invest in it.
- Encourage more private investment in wind, solar, and small hydro.
- Phase out costly Thermal power, which is bleeding our economy.
Emphasizing that this was not just an energy issue, but a national issue, Ali Sabry said if the government was truly national-minded, it would stand with low-cost, clean energy.
“You stand with the people. You stand against vested interests that profit from crisis and dependency. Let’s make choices that empower the nation, not a few,” he added. (Newswire)
