The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, under the NPP’s energy policy theme “Secure Energy Hub – Sustainable Exchange Source,” we are steering Sri Lanka’s energy usage positively. In debating this Amendment to the 2024 Act No. 36, we all know energy is critical for the national economy and production.

¶ 02 Under the 2024 Act, the sector’s functions—generation, transmission, distribution, trading, supply and ancillary—were to be split into 12, with only three companies 100% State-owned and the rest exposed to private ownership. What have we done now? Through this Amendment we categorize into five companies: generation, transmission, distribution and system control, plus entities for employee matters, EPF and pensions. We have stated all will be 100% State-owned.

¶ 03 The Opposition says, “We agreed with Kanchana’s 2024 Act, but oppose your Amendment.” The 2024 approach split into 12, with three retained by the State and nine open to privatization. We, recognizing energy as a strategically vital sector, keep 100% State ownership of all five companies. Why oppose that while praising Kanchana’s?

¶ 04 On staff: out of about 23,000 employees, a significant number were to be removed under the previous path. We have said not a single employee will be removed; existing conditions, allowances, salaries will be maintained or improved, and professionalism safeguarded. Opposition to this Bill is not for its merits but out of fear that safeguarding the power sector will strengthen economic security, which in turn weakens their political security.

¶ 05 On PUCSL: much has been said. The phrase “in consultation” appears. PUCSL has responsibilities not only for electricity but also for water and petroleum products. Beyond tariffs, it has a wide remit. In tariff determinations, PUCSL consults the public and relevant agencies, including the Treasury for information. Consultation is not approval or concurrence. The Supreme Court too has, on multiple occasions, agreed with this approach. Therefore, no issue arises.

¶ 06 Some claim this is a one-man show by Pubudu; that is their political culture. Our Amendment has been shaped with engineers, professionals and the public. We do not need heroes or one-man shows; we need to correctly position the sector to contribute to the economy.

¶ 07 They cry “deal politics.” Those who fathered deal politics in mega projects, bankrupted the economy and now dream of 2029 presidency are lecturing us. We promise the people proper stewardship across all sectors.

¶ 08 This Amendment will ensure sustainability, reliable generation, efficiency, transparency, and create a competitive electricity market to minimize costs and deliver lowest tariffs. It is not an easy road, but we will clear it and systematically reduce tariffs with the people’s support.

¶ 09 Thank you.