By Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera   

Claiming that only about 12,000 religious places were getting electricity bills over Rs. 3,990 out of the total connections of 48,682 such places, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara said plans were afoot to introduce solar power for such places.  

He told Parliament that only 12,586 religious places were getting electricity bills over Rs. 3,990 even after the tariff revision.  

“A total of 48,682 religious places have been provided with connections so far. About 36,000 religious places are getting a maximum bill of Rs. 3,990 even after the tariff revision. A total of 15,195 religious places are using less than 30 units and getting a monthly bill of Rs. 330. Some 11,151 religious places have to pay Rs. 1,260 monthly bill now,” he said, responding to a question by SJB MP Ajith Mannapperuma.  

The Minister said State Minister of Power and Energy Indika Anurudda was entrusted with the task of initiating a project to introduce solar power to the 12,586 religious places, utilising the USD 100 credit line from India.  
He also said steps would be taken to import solar panels from India and China on a credit line to facilitate religious places and low income families.   

MP Mannapperuma said an electricity bill of Rs. 60,000  is paid by Parliament monthly and questioned as to why Parliament is not powered by solar panels.  

MP Kumara Welgama said the Buddhist monks who were travelling in V8s are worried about electricity tariffs and said the CEB should not provide electricity at a loss. 

• An electricity bill of Rs. 60,000  is paid by Parliament monthly