The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, while thanking you for the time given to me today, I wish to use this opportunity to speak about the supplementary estimate that our government has presented for the next four months. Due to the cumulative results of wrong economic policies implemented in various ways by governments over 76 years, our country faced a severe economic collapse, causing immense pressure on people’s lives. In fact, those most affected are the poorest segments of our society. Many of our people have reached a level where they sacrifice even their children’s education for their meals. Therefore, as a government, we have presented a proposal to uplift these children’s education.

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, according to the 2023 Household Income and Expenditure Survey by the Department of Census and Statistics, about 55 percent of school-going children have suffered adverse effects from the economic crisis. Of these, around 53 percent have stopped or minimized purchasing school stationery. Some reuse old materials. Instead of paying attention to these children’s issues, some members of the Opposition attempt to gain political mileage by questioning the educational qualifications of government MPs and Ministers. I too faced strong attacks personally on that matter. Rather than focusing on private matters, we must focus on society. Why is there this challenge to education in society? Previously, there was talk of theft and corruption. Now, without those, the Opposition tries to divert by questioning our qualifications and experience, wasting time and obstructing the work to be done for the people.

¶ 03 Under the “Aswesuma” program, granting Rs. 6,000 to a child for school stationery and books is not merely fulfilling an election promise; it is our social responsibility as a government. From the Aswesuma allocation to low-income families, we have decided to channel Rs. 6.5 billion to this purpose. Personally, many of us too completed our professional qualifications with difficulty. We engage in politics to work for the well-being of the people in hardship. Those in the Opposition were previously in government. If they think positively and work with us, it would be good. We conduct these activities positively, without seeking personal benefit. Let’s all, with the support of every MP, take this to a positive place.

¶ 04 There are also small matters related to my Ministry these days. I will state a few points on that, and on the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB). According to the CEB’s estimates, for the first six months of 2025 submitted to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), the expected expenditure for the first six months is Rs. 269 billion, with estimated revenue of Rs. 230 billion, leaving a gap of Rs. 39 billion. For the first nine months of 2024, there was an additional income of Rs. 41 billion. Accordingly, the CEB has proposed to the PUCSL to carry forward the next six months without increasing tariffs. Because the first six months are generally a dry season; hydropower generation reduces due to lower water levels, increasing generation costs. We are in this situation due to past mismanagement at the CEB; we are under debts around Rs. 333 billion. We have to pay those debts. We aim to do so while minimizing burdens on the public.

¶ 05 As a government, we are very keen on this. If we look at the basic CEB numbers, an increase of up to 37 percent would be warranted. Through our management, we have brought it down to zero increase. We have presented proposals to avoid a tariff increase. The PUCSL can check and advise what is needed. Ultimately, if the institution makes losses again, it will come back to the people, to be recovered via taxes or tariffs. We are working on a long-term plan to avoid both. Our goal in the energy sector is a people-centric government providing energy at a fair price to people and industry. Without reliable energy for industry, we cannot attract investors or develop industries. We will proceed according to our overall plan. We can transparently present and discuss anything; sometimes there are misconceptions due to political opponents. We will act transparently, not inflating or downplaying figures to make a show. We will proceed with accurate data. I request everyone to act with understanding. I conclude my remarks. Thank you.