Kalutara locals use torches to protest against tariff hike

COLOMBO (News 1st); A group of locals from Kalutara North protested against the hike in electricity tariffs by carrying torches on Monday (20) night.

The protestors highlighted the fact that the 66% tariff hike has severely affected the livelihoods of the low-income earners, and it is making matters worse.

They demanded the government immediately reduce the tariff or provide concessions to the people who are already suffering from the economic crisis.

On the 15th of February 2023, the Public Utilities Commission approved a 66% hike in electricity tariffs.

In order to generate an additional income of 287 billion rupees for the Ceylon Electricity Board, the proposal to increase the electricity tariff by 66 percent which was approved by the cabinet was forwarded to the Public Utilities Commission on January 2nd.

The proposal was not approved by the Public Utilities Commission, and several members of the commission resigned due to conflict of opinion on the proposal.

Three new members were appointed for the vacant positions on two occasions, and yesterday the proposal was taken up again under the chairmanship of Janaka Ratnayake.

A 36% increase in electricity tariff was proposed to generate an income of 142 billion rupees based on the suggestions of public consultation and all other parties, but only Chairman Janatha Ratnayake agreed to the proposal.

The other members of the commission namely Attorney Chaturika Wijesinghe, Douglas Nanayakkara and SG Senaratne had rejected the proposal.

According to the new electricity bill hike proposal

The electricity tariff of Rs 360 paid for 30 electricity units so far can be increased to Rs 1300.

That's an increase of 261 percent.

This gives an opportunity to increase the electricity tariff of Rs. 680 for 60 units by Rs.1880.

The existing electricity tariff of Rs.1800 for 90 electricity units will increase to Rs.4430.

The existing electricity tariff of Rs, 3900 for 120 units will increase by 74 percent.

According to this price revision, the electricity tariff has increased by a large amount in the range of 30 to 90 units used by most Sri Lankans.