Courtesy Hiru News

An uninterrupted power supply will be provided for the whole of Sri Lanka with effect from today, Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said on Thursday (16).

Addressing the media today, Minister Wijesekera said this is being made possible following the electricity tariff hike approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL).

Minister Kanchana Wijesekera clarified that electricity tariffs have not been increased to cover longstanding losses of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).

He explained that the tariff hike has been proposed only to manage the current costs of the CEB.

The Minister of Power and Energy assured that this proposal in no way covers the long-standing costs of the CEB or enables an additional income to the state institution.

Minister Kanchana Wijesekera further stated that arrangements have also been made with state banks to obtain the necessary fuel, naphtha, and coal for the production of electricity.

He said that due to this arrangement and the electricity tariff hike, the CEB will be able to provide an uninterrupted power supply from today.

The Minister added that once the recent tariff hike is implemented, there will be no need for another increase in electricity tariffs soon.

The announcement comes after the PUCSL approved an electricity tariff hike of 66% with effect from Wednesday, 15th February 2023.