Controversial power tariff hike will be passed by Cabinet says Power Ministry

Colombo (News 1st) - The Ministry of Power and Energy says it is confident that the highly controversial proposed electricity tariff revision will be approved by the Cabinet today.

The Ministry says a week was given for all other Ministers to present their views on the proposal submitted to the Cabinet last week. The Ministry says the cabinet will approve the electricity tariff revision after considering the views today.

The Ceylon Electricity Board says it expects to provide a continuous supply of power, without power cuts in future, if the electricity tariff hike is approved as expected and proper inputs are received for coal and fuel power plants.

However, the move has drawn vociferous opposition from citizens groups across the country, already battered by the skyrocketing cost of living which includes a steep electricity tariff increase less than six months ago. Several protests are expected today.