The Hon. K. Ilankumaran

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity to speak on the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill.

¶ 02 An amendment to the Sri Lanka Electricity framework is a need of the times. I have served as an employee of the CEB. Many projects were implemented in the past with poor discipline, and as a result, today people struggle to pay their electricity bills. We must chart a path with proper laws for the country. On that basis, this Bill has been brought, and I am pleased.

¶ 03 In the past, steps were taken to remove nearly half of the 23,000 CEB employees. Our Government has used this Bill to secure their employment. We have ensured that their jobs, salaries, and allowances will not be harmed. We have drafted this Bill so that private investors can also invest substantially in the electricity sector. Electricity is a critical pillar of a nation. With technology, electric cars are arriving, consumption is increasing. Our Government’s target is to make Sri Lanka the country with the lowest electricity tariffs in South Asia in the coming period — and we firmly believe we can. We bring this Bill in a way that does not harm the country, the people, or future generations. We will strengthen the CEB and provide affordable electricity to the people.

¶ 04 Some criticize us based on events in Mannar. In the past, steps regarding wind power in Mannar were taken haphazardly; we suffer the consequences today. Even so, we have a duty to conduct scientific studies. Tomorrow, Vanni District MPs will meet the Hon. Minister of Power and Energy here in Parliament, and we are ready to clarify issues regarding wind power.

¶ 05 A colleague said the Minister visited Mannar and met only NPP Members. In fact, that visit was a private visit. He went to the Madhu Church for prayers and met clergy. Some have twisted this for political gain. We know how that Member acted before — destroying forests and resources and now coming here to cry out. People will realize the truth. We will stand with the people and pursue development that does not harm them — unlike past governments.

¶ 06 In earlier times, state departments were used for elections. As a former CEB employee, I saw how, when a Minister arrived, big programs were staged, wasting public money. They announced reductions for farmers’ electricity — and one Minister even ordered white soil spread in a paddy field to avoid red soil stains on his suit before turning on irrigation. I saw this with my own eyes.

¶ 07 I also must correct a false claim made yesterday about the Justice Minister. A Member alleged that the Justice Minister said the Chemmalai mass grave issue was based on hearsay. I was there. When Hon. Sumanthiran raised possible mass graves in Mandaitivu and Mankumban, the Justice Minister said such information often arrives as hearsay; to confirm it, one should go to the Attorney General’s Department or lodge a complaint with the CID, and the Government is ready to proceed when cases are filed. It was not said that the Chemmalai massacre was hearsay. It is this Government that has released funds to excavate those graves. People will understand the truth, and truth will prevail. We will continue this path for over four more years; we will not betray the people. Those creating confusion do so only to derail reforms. We will build a country in which citizens can proudly say “Sri Lankan.” Thank you.