Secretary of the Electricity Consumers’ Association, Sanjeewa Dhammika, yesterday (10) urged the Public Utilities Commission (PUCSL) to immediately lodge a complaint with the CID over what he described as pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to increase electricity tariffs in Sri Lanka.
Speaking at a media briefing held in Gampha, he said the IMF was pushing for tariff hikes at a time when fuel and coal prices had not increased. “The Public Utilities Commission is an independent body. Any revision of electricity tariffs must be done in accordance with Section 30 of the Electricity Act, not under pressure from the IMF,” he stressed.
He alleged that the government had invited only a few representatives of pro-government trade unions to Parliament on the 9th for a discussion with the Power Minister, violating trade union principles. “We have learned that during that meeting, they discussed dividing the CEB into four companies. Why can’t they have such discussions openly in front of all employees?” he questioned.
Dhammika also criticised former trade union leaders who, he said, now use state power to suppress workers. “The same people who once criticised the IMF are now dancing to its tune. The IMF is interfering with the country’s laws and pressuring independent commissions. We demand that the PUCSL immediately complain to the CID,” he said.
According to him, the IMF is insisting that the CEB be split into four companies and that tariffs be raised. “How can they exert pressure on an independent commission? This will further burden the people,” he charged.
Dhammika pointed out that the push to raise tariffs comes at a time when oil and coal prices are stable and the cost of buying electricity from solar producers has been reduced. “They are deliberately ignoring the generation plan and exaggerating fuel costs to justify LNG purchases at higher prices through agreements signed with private companies,” he claimed.He further accused the Opposition of failing to defend the public interest. “We urge the Opposition to rally the people to the streets if the tariff hike is imposed on the 14th,” he said.
by Anuradha Hiripitiyage 