“We are going for legal action” Electricity consumers threaten Kanchana
But, Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera, was not available at the Ministry and the consumers claimed that he was either unwilling to speak to them or was frightened.
Commenting on the issue, Pradeep Charles the Chairman of the United National Self-Employed Businessmen’s Association told the media that, “We held a discussion with Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUSCL) Chairman Janaka Ratnayake regarding Wijesekera’s “unlawful” decision to increase electricity tariffs next year (2023), warning him of refusing to pay the electricity bills if the tariffs are increased.
Also, Charles said that “Ratnayake told us that Wijesekera has no legal provision to increase electricity tariffs, and that he will not allow Wijesekera to increase bills the way that he likes. He said that Wijesekera has no authority to do so even in February 2023.”
“Even though he is a Minister, Wijesekera does not have sufficient knowledge to be one. He was given a Ministerial post because there was no one else for the job. If he increases tariffs in January 2023 by force, none of us will pay our electricity bills. The estate workers, the Peoples’ Voice Association, the Self-Employed Women’s Organisation, the United National Self-Employed Businessmen’s Association, and all civil organization leaders will go from town to town telling people not to pay their electricity bills.”
“We will see how long these corrupt and myopic politicians keep us in the darkness. The public is suffering because they are unable to pay their bills. We will get the public onto the streets and tell them not to pay their electricity bills. We are thankful to the PUCSL for showing some backbone and remaining an independent commission, without being guided by politics. We warn the Minister to not touch the people who are struggling in order to fill his stomach. If he increases the tariff, he will not only have to get out on the street but he will be chased by women with brooms and sticks,” warned Charles.
But, further, Minister Wijesekera announced yesterday,21st that electricity tariffs will definitely be revised in January 2023, and said that a detailed report on the matter will be submitted at the first Cabinet meeting next year which is scheduled for 2 January 2023.
