The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir

¶ 01 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, I am pleased to participate in today’s debate on the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill.

¶ 03 In our economy — at rock bottom — taxes are being levied across all fronts. Likewise, we must examine the restructuring of the CEB. During the crisis period, around 500,000 consumers had their electricity disconnected. What solution has been provided?

¶ 04 While restructuring the economy and debt, is there any relief for poor people, ordinary public servants, or small businesses creating jobs — such as lowering the per-unit tariff payable to the CEB? No. This Government blames previous governments for the crisis, but is pushing the poor into an even worse abyss, and continues the same project patterns of those past governments.

¶ 05 In our constituencies today, ordinary people come to us: “Our electricity connection is cut; please help restore it. Our water connection is cut; please help.” Everything has become like this. We need change. Earlier, a new connection could be obtained for under Rs. 20,000. “Samurdhi” and “Aswesuma” beneficiaries had very low fees for new connections, with subsidy-based programs. Under this Government, nothing. This Government, which came promising to stop corruption and protect the poor, has taken no such action.

¶ 06 From what we see, these CEB changes provide no benefit to the poor or to ordinary-salaried public servants. With today’s cost of living — phone, water, electricity, children’s school needs — salaries of public servants do not suffice. This must be reformed along with service improvements so that in future better services are delivered to the people. Thank you.