SJB to vote against removal of PUCSL Chairman

• The motion to remove PUCSLChairman is to be taken up for debate on May 24, 2023 from 10.30 am to 5pm

By Yohan Perera   

The main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will vote against the motion to remove incumbent Chairman of Public Utilities Commission (PUCSL) Chairman Janaka Ratnayake from the post, Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella said yesterday.   

Kiriella told journalists that his party had decided to oppose the resolution as PUCSL Chairman had stood up for the people of Sri Lanka and also because it will be a blow to the independent commissions.   

“Mr. Ratnayake went against the increasing of electricity tariffs by 60 percent as it was done without the consent of Consumer Affairs Authority. Also he had said the tariff can be reduced by 27 percent. Furthermore the move is a blow to the independent commissions.. Independence of Commissions were ensured in the 21st Amendment to the constitution. The removal of a member of such a commission and appointing someone who is supportive to the government cannot be approved,” he said.   

The motion to remove PUCSLChairman is to be taken up for debate on May 24, 2023 from 10.30 am to 5pm. The motion is being presented in accordance with section 7 Sri Lanka Public Utilities Commission Act no 35 of 2002.