The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah

¶ 01 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, I welcome participating in today’s debate.

¶ 03 This government came to power promising to reduce prices—goods, fuel, electricity tariffs—yet after both elections, no reductions were realized; instead, essentials kept rising, increasing people’s burdens. The government should curb prices where possible, provide relief, and bring essentials under control so people can buy at lower cost.

¶ 04 On electricity: while CEB says tariffs cannot be reduced now, the Public Utilities Commission (PUCSL) recommended an 11% reduction and emphasized accelerating renewables to cut annual tariffs and reduce the cost of living. Rooftop solar purchase tariffs were cut from Rs. 37 to Rs. 27 per unit; PUCSL’s 15 July 2024 letter warned that lowering rooftop tariffs hinders national energy targets: 2024 target 483 MW, only 261 MW achieved; 2025 target 505 MW; an additional 3,508 MW needed by 2030. PUCSL consulted CEB, LECO, SLSEA and industry associations, and received many consumer complaints on revised tariffs. Ordinary people invested in small rooftop solar; cutting payments now is unfair. Please reconsider in line with PUCSL.

¶ 05 On Aswasuma: we support the Rs. 6,000 for school supplies including stationery. But a recent circular says only Rs. 4,000 per child will be provided, and only to some. Government servants too are suffering; if not a grant, at least give an interest-free loan of Rs. 6,000 per school-going child under this programme.

¶ 06 On vehicle imports: proceed cautiously so the dollar does not appreciate beyond current levels, which would raise all prices.

¶ 07 Flood damage in the Eastern Province: many schools and roads were badly hit, especially in Batticaloa. Zonal directors and the Province say they lack funds. I request urgent central allocations to the Eastern Provincial Council to repair damaged schools to resume teaching and fix roads for access.

¶ 08 Thank you.