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Possible electricity tariff reduction

30 April 2013 02:12 am - 27     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Against the backdrop of widespread public outrage against the recent electricity tariff hike, Power and Energy Ministry officials said yesterday that there “would be a possibility of bringing down electricity prices for the low income category.”

The Opposition parties have held protest rallies throughout the country against the price hike. Besides, some government ministers viz. D.E.W.

Gunasekara, Vasudeva Nanayakkara and Wimal Weerawansa had spoken against it. Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP) Minister Dinesh Gunawardane also issued a statement on Sunday describing the tariff hike as an undue burden on the public.

Power and Energy Ministry Secretary M.M.C. Ferdinando told Daily Mirror yesterday that President Mahinda Rajapaksa had expressed his displeasure over the new pricing formula at a recent meeting.

Asked whether there would be a reduction, he said, “There may be a possibility.”

However he did not say when it would happen.

The Cabinet of Ministers is also to discuss this matter further at the meeting scheduled for Thursday.  

Meanwhile, another source close to the government said that the new electricity tariffs would be reduced by 20 percent for households consuming less than 150 units per month. The government had expected to earn a revenue of Rs.3.5 billion by the recent tariff increase. Yet with the proposed reduction, this will drop to Rs. 2.8 billion. It is likely that the president will announce this on May Day. (Kelum Bandara and Ranjith Ananda Jayasinghe)

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  Comments - 27

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  • ruvini Tuesday, 30 April 2013 07:34 AM

    they get votes again from poor masses.while the middle class suffers

    Ranjith Tuesday, 30 April 2013 08:09 PM

    Before long there will not be a middle class. They will not be able to use 200 units as they become poorer. Imagine the loans on useless projects and the commission they get.

    Be fair...... Tuesday, 30 April 2013 11:03 AM

    I'm "electrified" now........!!!!!!

    Minister Tuesday, 30 April 2013 10:43 AM

    May Day gilmarts?

    Upawansa Tuesday, 30 April 2013 09:49 AM

    Any lower middle class family consume 200 - 250 units. They are the most affected lot.

    Justin Kewppetiyagam Tuesday, 30 April 2013 09:22 AM

    Poor Pavithra, What you will get for giving an opportunity to MR to boost his image on May Day

    ANTON Tuesday, 30 April 2013 09:10 AM

    DEFINITELY MUST BE LADIES WEAR, DON'T WORRY, USE WASHING MACHINES, YOU ALL ARE SUPPOSED TO BE PROVIDED FREE ELECTRICITY.

    D Tuesday, 30 April 2013 08:56 AM

    How to increase bill by 20% keeping people happy..increase by 40% and then give reduction by 20%...people are happy..government gets its job done...we're all but FOOLS!

    ANTON Tuesday, 30 April 2013 08:56 AM

    SEEMS ANOTHER TRAINEE LAUNDRYMEN, WHOSE CLOTHES ARE YOU WASHING ?

    jayantha silva Tuesday, 30 April 2013 08:15 AM

    Once again , he will emerge as the saviour of the (m)asses.

    janak Tuesday, 30 April 2013 08:09 AM

    JUST BECAUSE OF IDIOTS ONLY ppl IN POWER NOW

    PRASANNAJIT Tuesday, 30 April 2013 07:56 AM

    MR will come out with this reduction at the May day rally, which will be blown into higher scales by the govt media propping up the image of MR.

    bambuwa Tuesday, 30 April 2013 07:59 AM

    Yes the Sri Lankan masses are gullible enough to believe that there will actually be a 20% reduction and will go on to cheer 'His Highness'

    osman Tuesday, 30 April 2013 07:47 AM

    You cant fool all the people all the time
    Every Dog Has its Day
    It will not be very soon

    Lakshman Tuesday, 30 April 2013 02:26 AM

    Any concession announced at the May Day rally by the President whilst may boost his image it still does not justify the actions by the CEB or the Government

    jayasumana Tuesday, 30 April 2013 07:22 AM

    Don't imagine that 0.7 billion revenue loss will be covered by cutting down expenditure. Govt will steal that money from the people somehow.

    Nadim Tuesday, 30 April 2013 06:39 AM

    What about sending this .... bunch home?

    flipper Tuesday, 30 April 2013 06:38 AM

    Miracle of Asia ?

    mail_guy Tuesday, 30 April 2013 06:25 AM

    How does it work in your family?

    Saho Tuesday, 30 April 2013 06:20 AM

    Another drama for Sri Lankan idiots is awaiting!!!!
    40% hike and a reduction of 20% out of that 40%!!!

    ch Tuesday, 30 April 2013 05:56 AM

    whole load of BULL***** for sri lankan people who will take it

    Dera Tuesday, 30 April 2013 05:13 AM

    The current trend seems like if you want to get things done your way either get into streets or go up on a coconut tree.

    ab Tuesday, 30 April 2013 12:00 AM

    all these are shows. need of the hour is peoples friendly rulers to our motherland. via DM Android App

    Lankashantha Tuesday, 30 April 2013 03:38 AM

    Again another drama in another May day stage.

    ANTON Tuesday, 30 April 2013 03:04 AM

    HOW TO REDUCE CONSUMPTION OF POWER UNITS.

    1. ALL THE FAMILY MEMBERS SHOULD GO TO THE TOILETS AND BATH ROOMS TOGETHER.

    2. GO TO NEXT DOOR TO WATCH TV.

    3. PUT YOUR CLOTHES UNDER THE PILLOWS AND SLEEP. THIS WILL SOLVE THE IRONING PROBLEM.

    4. SWITCH OFF ALL THE BULBS AT NIGHT, BECAUSE BEING IN THE DARKNESS IS A COMMON THING TO US.

    Jai Tuesday, 30 April 2013 02:50 AM

    What a joke!.....this is just because of the May Day.

    Suq Madique Tuesday, 30 April 2013 02:32 AM

    Once again, the masses who voted this govt into power only will benefit. The middle-class who props up the economy will bear the brunt of everything and get nothing in return.


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