PUCSL to be made redundant under Electricity Reforms (Amendment) Bill

By Yohan Perera  

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) is set to be made redundant under the proposed Electricity Reforms (Amendment) Bill, an opposition MP alleged yesterday.   
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Ajith P. Perera told the media that the powers currently held by the PUCSL to determine electricity tariffs will be transferred to the Ministry of Finance under the new legislation.   
“PUCSL was established to protect the interests of the public regarding electricity tariffs. It has, in the past, made decisions both to increase and reduce tariffs in favour of the people. Therefore, transferring its powers to the Ministry of Finance is a violation of the people’s rights,” the MP said.   
He added that the SJB is planning to file a fundamental rights petition against the proposed bill.   
The bill, which has been tabled in Parliament, also includes provisions to unbundle the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and restructure it into several state-owned companies. Furthermore, it outlines the establishment of a national electricity policy.