Unannounced power and water cuts already in force: Joint Opposition

By Yohan Perera  

Unannounced power and water cuts are already in force, a group of opposition parties alleged yesterday.  

Former MPs Patali Champika Ranawaka, Rajitha Senaratne, Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Wajira Abeywardena, former Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, and sitting MP Dayasiri Jayasekera made this allegation during a joint press briefing.  

“Unannounced power interruptions and water cuts are already in force in some areas,” MP Dayasiri Jayasekera said.  

He said the war in the Middle East is not the reason for power cuts, as claimed by the government, and that corruption in the government is the main reason for both power and water cuts. MP Jayasekera said people will be hit by a fertilizer shortage before long.  

Former MP Ranawaka said it is the coal procurement scam that had resulted in power cuts and the increase of power tariffs. “Coal has been purchased at an exorbitant price of dollars 143 per tonne. The losses incurred from coal purchase is more than Rs 10 billion,” he said. He said power cuts will be inevitable even if the expected shipments arrive later this month.  

He also alleged that water levels of reservoirs used for hydropower have been kept at 50 percent of the total capacity to cover up the real cause of power tariff hikes and power cuts.  

Furthermore, he said the government should follow Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who slashed taxes on fuel, and Australia, which made public transport free of charge. “Sri Lankan government should also give concessions for the people.” Former MP Rajitha Senaratne said the public are being hit from all sides with the power tariff hike, transport fare hike, and increases in fuel and food prices. All speakers called for concessions to the people, especially in view of the Sinhala New Year.