Thursday May 14, 2026
Thursday May 14, 2026
Monday, 11 May 2026 00:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has strongly criticised the Government’s decision to raise electricity tariffs by 18%, claiming authorities are shifting the financial burden of alleged substandard coal imports onto consumers and businesses.
Making a special statement following the tariff revision announced by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), Premadasa claimed the latest increase unfairly penalises electricity users despite repeated calls not to pass on costs linked to what he described as questionable coal procurement decisions.
He alleged that both the Government and the electricity regulator had ignored concerns raised over the issue and proceeded with the tariff adjustment regardless.
He argued that the revised pricing structure disproportionately impacts upper middle-income households, entrepreneurs, industrialists, and the wider business community, particularly consumers exceeding 180 units of electricity usage per month.
Describing the move as an attempt to place additional pressure on productive sectors of the economy, Premadasa warned that higher electricity costs could weaken business confidence, increase operating expenses, and further strain economic recovery efforts.
The Opposition Leader also claimed the increase amounts to an indirect financial burden on industry and enterprise at a time when businesses are already facing multiple cost pressures from global and domestic challenges.
