CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Reply To:
Name - Reply Comment
CEB doesn’t follow PUCSL instructions to provide relief: Sobitha Thera
Ven. Omalpe Sobitha Thera said yesterday that the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) does not follow the instructions given by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) for providing relief on the electricity bills to places of worship.
Addressing media following a meeting with PUCSL Chairman Janaka Rathnayake, Ven. Omalpe stated that the recent revision of electricity tariff had left the consumers extremely uncomfortable and resulted in a 510% increase in the electricity bill in the places of worship.
He said a complaint was lodged with the PUCSL chairman, and he had agreed to provide relief from the electricity consumption charges.
"At the time of discussion, all provincial Sangha Sabhas had decided to turn off all temple lights on the last Vap Poya day in protest of the increased electricity tariff." Later, the PUCSL chairman agreed to provide relief, and the decision was revoked. The promise made by the chairman was confirmed after meeting Chief Sanganayakes," the prelate said.
Instructions were given to the Lanka Electricity Company (Private) Limited (LECO) and the CEB to provide relief from the electricity bill for places of worship. But there was no change made to the bill.
However, only the LECO followed the instructions of the PUCSL chairman; the CEB did not even consider it and continued with the practice. 80% of the consumers in the country are served by the CEB.
As a result, we met the PUCSL chairman and criticised him for failing to provide relief. He admitted his fault and said legal action will be taken against the CEB for the rejection of instruction issued by the PUCSL.
Accordingly, Ven. Sobitha Thera told the media that they had decided to pay only Rs. 32 for a unit of electricity consumed and not to meet the unreasonable increase by the CEB.
"We hope the PUCSL will take legal action against the CEB and provide relief to consumers," Thera added. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama and Indika Sri Aravinda)
Comments - 6
Recommended
You May Also Like
Trending
