• Blames Government for rolling back progressive efforts

Noting that the Government’s recent decision to revise the payments made for solar power amounts to reversing the progressive steps taken to improve renewable energy sector in the country, the main Parliamentary Opposition, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), urged the Government to take prudent and scientific decisions when it comes to the electricity sector.

SJB Member of the Parliament Ajith P. Perera made these remarks during a media briefing held yesterday (30), where he expressed concerns that approximately 40,000 individuals are employed in the solar power generation sector, while over 1,000 companies are actively involved in the sector. He noted that in addition, solar power generation protects the environment, saves the country foreign exchange, and instills confidence in citizens to generate their own power. Imprudent decisions taken by the present Government, he alleged, will impede solar power generation and its benefits.

“New rates are illogical and unfair,” Perera said, adding that the SJB will express opposition to the recent price revisions in Parliament. He urged the Government to show its policies aimed at improving the electricity sector. Without such a policy, Perera added, the Government’s promise to reduce electricity fares within a three-year period will not bear fruit.

He further urged the Government to ensure that any energy project with the Government of India is beneficial to both the countries.

Last week, the Government said that it has decided to revise the tariff paid per unit of electricity generated by rooftop solar panels, with the proposed rates set to vary based on the scale of energy production. According to the Ministry of Energy, a Cabinet paper outlining these amendments had been submitted to the Cabinet, following recommendations from the Ceylon Electricity Board.