Don’t pay bills; take to the streets: JVP tells people

18 April 2013 11:15 pm - 15 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The JVP yesterday urged the people to refuse to pay the newly introduced electricity rates and instead take to the streets immediately to protest against the hike.

JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva told a news conference that it was the responsibility of the people to take to the streets against this unfair move by the government. “There won’t be an end to people’s suffering if they fail to take some action,” he said.

Mr. Silva also charged that the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) had been proven to be a completely useless body as it had allowed the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to increase the electricity bills the way it wanted. “The PUC which is supposed to listen to the people had failed in its duty in these circumstances,” he said. He said 95 percent of the people who went before the PUC did not want a hike but it had not taken this fact into consideration.

The JVP General Secretary charged that the new tariff system was designed to add more burden on those in the lowest social strata while the elite group had been spared. Accordingly he said the electricity Bill of a household which uses 90 units will increase roughly by around Rs 1200.

Elaborating further on the new electricity tariff system, Mr. Silva said the earlier system of changing the rate when the number of units increases had been done away with. Citing an example he said according to the earlier system Rs 2 was charged for the first 30 units while Rs 5 was charged for the next 30 units. But according to the new system the amount charged for the second 30 units will be charged for the entire 60 units used.

Also he said the electricity bills were increased following the advice of World Bank and the IMF. (Yohan Perera)

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Comments - 15

MagodisThuma Friday, 19 April 2013 02:56 AM

First you come...we'll join !

Punny Pellow Friday, 19 April 2013 03:02 AM

Be a little more sensible. Without paying the bills and taking to the streets, we will not be able to find our way into the house in the darkness.

bing kunda Friday, 19 April 2013 03:09 AM

Time for JVP to come forward for the people....

Asitha Friday, 19 April 2013 03:23 AM

No matter what happens in this country the people will never get into the streets.Even if the rates are increased by 100% it will be the same.Unless the opposition gets stronger on these issues people will sleep forever as they are disgusted with the government and the opposition.

reader Friday, 19 April 2013 03:34 AM

NO be responsible citizens and PAY your bills on time

Godfrey Friday, 19 April 2013 04:36 AM

Why don't you switch off, light your kerosene lamp and go back to the middle ages.

Hishy Friday, 19 April 2013 06:38 AM

If the Electricity Board Does not run at a profit, it will have to shutdown soon, Then Kuppi Lampu thamai

bonsa Friday, 19 April 2013 07:06 AM

what will happen when we refuse to pay and take to the streets?
your supply will be disconnected. you have to pay connection fee plus the bill to be re-connected.
will JVP bear the cost

JASAYA Friday, 19 April 2013 10:11 AM

YOU ARE GOING TO PUT INNOCENT PEOPLE IN TO TROUBLE AGAIN AS 1971 AND 1989

Ravi Friday, 19 April 2013 10:28 AM

The reason it is not profitable is mismanagement. Increing the price want help that.

sangaralingham Friday, 19 April 2013 12:58 PM

if yuu use it pay it

Lenchina Friday, 19 April 2013 03:06 PM

No voluntary lawyer to appear in Geneva.

kautilya Saturday, 20 April 2013 02:53 AM

They are just shouting. They have no strength to mobilise the masses against the plights that people are facing. Like the UNP , JVP also a part of the government and playing for the government.

sarath Saturday, 20 April 2013 03:35 AM

Kerosene is more expensive than electricity

Kalu Sudda Saturday, 20 April 2013 03:55 AM

Hey how about you starving to death before that.

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Don’t pay bills; take to the streets: JVP tells people

Comments - 15

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