• Sajith wants PUCSL to obtain Finance Min.-CEB proposals on Govt. promise of reducing electricity charges by 33%

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has decided not to amend the existing electricity tariffs for this quarter (October-December 2025).

The announcement in this regard was made yesterday (14) by PUCSL Chairperson Prof. K.P.L. Chandralal during a media briefing held in Colombo. Prof. Chandralal noted that following public consultations and a review of the electricity calculation methodologies, a decision was taken not to increase tariffs for the next three months.

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) previously proposed a 6.8% increase in electricity tariffs for the final quarter of this year, according to the PUCSL. Accordingly, the PUCSL decided to obtain public opinion on the proposed amendments.

The PUCSL announced its decision to not permit an increase in electricity tariffs, noting that this decision was reached by the PUCSL unanimously. Prof. Chandralal explained the PUCSL’s stance, saying: “The decision about electricity charges is a very complex and crucial one. It is less about the losses and profits of one institution, and is more about the overall economy. The decision about electricity charges concerns the competitiveness in the export sector, and impacts on the sustainability of small and medium enterprises, and the people’s quality of life.” He noted that after taking all the relevant factors as well as feedback and suggestions received through stakeholder consultations, the PUCSL decided to keep the existing tariff rates unchanged for three more months. The request, put forward by the CEB on 24 August, had sought a 6.8% tariff increase. Public and stakeholder consultations were held from 8 September to 3 October.

Moreover, Chandralal explained that although tariff revision-related decisions were earlier taken biannually, the present situation is such that such decisions have to be taken quarterly. 

Further, in a video posted on Facebook, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa welcomed the PUCSL’s decision not to grant approval for the requested tariff hike. Also, noting that the Government had earlier promised to reduce electricity charges by 33%, he urged the PUCSL to take steps to ensure that the Government fulfils that promise, including by obtaining the necessary proposals from the Ministry of Finance and the CEB.