Ex-PUCSL Chief charges third hike is illegal

PUCSL former Chairman Janaka Ratnayake 

• Says electricity tariff has surged by staggering 250% since August 2022 
• Claims CEB’s mismanagement being shouldered by already burdened electricity users

In a startling turn of events, former Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), Janaka Ratnayake, raised a red flag regarding the recent tariff revision proposed by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB). 

Ratnayake went on record asserting that the proposed revision is not only illegal but also in violation of the Constitution. 

He pointed out that the proposed electricity tariff has surged by a staggering 250% since August 2022, a move that has sent shockwaves through the nation. 

He also expressed concerns over the accuracy of the data provided by the CEB, asserting that the numbers do not align with factual information. 

“The CEB's attempts to mitigate its financial losses due to mismanagement are being shouldered by the already burdened electricity users,” Ratnayake emphasised. 

According to Ratnayake, if the proposed tariff is approved, consumers falling within the 0-30 unit bracket could face an 80% increase, while those consuming between 31-60 units might see a 32% surge. 

Additionally, users falling into brackets of 60-90, 91-120, and 120-180 units are slated to experience a respective 25%, 22%, and 16% hike. 

The Electricity Users Association has voiced their concerns over the sudden tariff escalation, questioning its legality, especially when the next scheduled tariff revision is slated for January. They have vowed to challenge this move, promising to seek the Supreme Court's intervention. 

“We will not stand for this. We will seek the Supreme Court’s ruling for this illegal request,” they affirmed. 

 In a contrasting viewpoint, the CEB Association countered the allegations, contending that the tariff hike is an imperative step to address the financial mismanagement plaguing the Board. 

 “We, as the Trade Unions, believe this hike is a necessary step to curb corruption and wastage within the system. However, we are disappointed to see a lack of investigations into these irregularities within the CEB," they remarked.