The Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi

¶ 01 Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am glad to speak at this historic moment during the Second Reading debate of the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill.

¶ 02 Recently I visited the “Norton Bridge” area of Laxapana. On a memorial plaque it is written: “To light the eyes of all of us, you who gave your lives—your names are carved here.” Around the 1940s, while tunnelling for the first hydropower complex at Norton Bridge, nearly 140 workers lost their lives. Their sacrifice brought electricity to Sri Lanka.

¶ 03 In 1969, the CEB Act was passed by torchlight. Throughout history, the people have worked together, and to this day, through electricity generation, staff and citizens have made immense sacrifices to bring light to Sri Lanka.

¶ 04 Today Sri Lanka has around 17 hydropower stations and about seven thermal power stations. We also have a wind plant of about 100 MW, and about 200 mini-hydropower stations. Solar has become a global trend and about 6 percent is added to the national system. But compared to global trends, where are we? The NPP clearly stated in our struggle for power that we must broaden the scope from electricity to energy, plan and systematize progress. We sought power on that basis.

¶ 05 Globally, the energy mix has expanded—hydro, thermal, and even nuclear, while adding environmentally friendly sources. After 1969, did successive governments produce and distribute electricity in a way that suited the world, protected the environment, and benefited consumers? We must reflect, both in Parliament and outside, whether we made correct, evidence-based decisions. Today the world speaks of energy beyond just electricity. With this Second Reading, we are preparing to move to a new paradigm. Thus, to end the path planned by Kanchana Wijesekera in 2024 to split into 12, send 12,000 of 23,000 workers out, and recentre the core on the private sector, we are now taking corrective steps.

¶ 06 We know nothing is born perfect; today’s decision is a transitional step. In coming years we will shift from electricity to energy. The CEB had become a kind of mafia, a refuge for certain groups in Kegalle, Sabaragamuwa, and Matara. Focus moved from renewables and hydro to diesel and coal, with friendly cartels. We believe that to transform this country, we must lower electricity tariffs relative to other countries, create an investment-friendly energy environment, protect consumers, and shift to environmentally friendly generation. CEB workers toil under harsh conditions—especially in Nuwara Eliya district—climbing peaks and valleys till midnight during breakdowns. Their rights were neglected by past governments. These amendments intend to secure workers’ livelihoods and the country’s energy independence.

¶ 07 There is now a fear-mongering group. Those who were silent when the CEB was to be split into 12 and 12,000 workers sent out, now cry wolf. Some who fed cronies with commissions were silent then, but speak now. The CEB was burdened with Rs. 500 billion debt, passing the cost to consumers; those silent then now shed crocodile tears.

¶ 08 Remember, this is a people’s Government. From the inception of the CEB we have fought to protect the institution, workers, and consumers. We sought power to rebuild the country. To fear-mongers and Opposition Members who mislead people, and especially to CEB workers and the public, we pledge: the NPP Government will not take any step that harms you, your professionalism, or privatizes and endangers the CEB. Do not fear, do not be swayed by lies. Trust the NPP. Under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, we will ensure a transparent, competitive, low-cost, 100-percent state-supported CEB safeguarding the future. Thank you.