By Maheesha Mudugamuwa
Power Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said a regulator is required for the electricity sector and the letter sent by President’s Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundara has been sent without his knowledge.
The Minister told the media that the Public Utilities Commission Act and the Ceylon Electricity Board Act will be amended in line with the proposals submitted to Parliament by the Prime Minister. In the budget speech, he clearly stated that only the acts would be amended.
On 1 January, the President’s Secretary had written to the Treasury Secretary instructing to shut down the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), in line with next year’s budget proposals.
In a letter dated 1 December 2020 addressed to Treasury Secretary S.R. Attygalle, Dr. Jayasundara has stated: “I am advised to instruct you to take necessary procedural steps to close the Public Utilities Commission.”
He also noted that the instructions are being issued in line with next year’s budget proposals concerning the PUCSL and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).
“As tariff and connected regulatory work is within the Government’s purview, certain provisions in the PUCSL Act could be incorporated in the Consumer Affairs Authority and the CEB Act when the PUCSL Act is replaced in due course,” the letter said.
The PUCSL is an independent multi-sector regulatory agency established by an Act of Parliament to oversee utilities which were state monopolies. It was also acting on consumer complaints and safety.
Meanwhile, the PUCSL members have also decided to step down from their portfolios.
The reason for the decision is yet to be announced.
On 1 January, the President’s Secretary had written to the Treasury Secretary instructing to shut down the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), in line with next year’s budget proposals.
In a letter dated 1 December 2020 addressed to Treasury Secretary S.R. Attygalle, Dr. Jayasundara has stated: “I am advised to instruct you to take necessary procedural steps to close the Public Utilities Commission.”
He also noted that the instructions are being issued in line with next year’s budget proposals concerning the PUCSL and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).
“As tariff and connected regulatory work is within the Government’s purview, certain provisions in the PUCSL Act could be incorporated in the Consumer Affairs Authority and the CEB Act when the PUCSL Act is replaced in due course,” the letter said.
The PUCSL is an independent multi-sector regulatory agency established by an Act of Parliament to oversee utilities which were state monopolies. It was also acting on consumer complaints and safety.
Meanwhile, the PUCSL members have also decided to step down from their portfolios.
The reason for the decision is yet to be announced.