Ven. Sobitha Thera urges PUCSL for 50% electricity tariff cut

• The CEB had made a profit of Rs. 61 billion in 2023. He claimed that this profit came from the hardships, sufferings and difficulties faced by the people of the country

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama  
During a public consultation on the second electricity tariff revision, Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobitha Thera requested the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) to reduce the electricity tariff by at least 50 percent.  
The PUCSL held an oral public consultation on the second electricity tariff revision today at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH).  
During the event, Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobitha Thera spoke about the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) making a profit of Rs. 61 billion in 2023. He claimed that this profit came from the hardships, sufferings and difficulties faced by the people of the country.  
He pointed out that the electricity tariff was increased by 300 percent and 500 percent in August 2022, and such significant profits should be taken into account.   
According to the Thera, 20 percent of local businesses collapsed, more than 5 million people received red bills, and over one million people experienced power disconnections. The disconnection charges were increased up to Rs. 3,000, but after the PUCSL’s intervention, they were reduced to Rs. 800.  
Ven. Sobitha Thera argued that the benefits of the CEB’s profit should be shared among all consumers. Considering all aspects, he urged that there should be at least a 50 percent reduction in the electricity tariff for consumers.