The Hon. Arkam Ilyas

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, first I want to respond to Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen who spoke earlier. He said Mannar is a treasure trove of resources and implied locals should not benefit from them. He has been a Member and Minister representing that treasure for 25 years, yet that District remains one of the poorest in Sri Lanka, and its people among the poorest. As an NPP Government, while we bring significant development to that area, do not obstruct it.

¶ 02 Rather than giving those mineral resources to businessmen from elsewhere, we aim to ensure that local people benefit and are uplifted to live beautiful lives in a prosperous country.

¶ 03 Electricity today is one of the most basic needs. The world has moved beyond merely 24-hour supply and affordable rates — towards competitive, transparent and efficient fulfillment of demand. By creating a competitive market with quality and quantity ensured, this Amendment creates major opportunities and benefits for the country and consumers. We studied all stakeholder views in depth to bring this Bill. The most valuable aspect is the seven million consumers with connections — serving their needs is the core objective.

¶ 04 We claim 24-hour supply and near-100 percent coverage. Yet, in my own area of Matara, there are still supply issues: industries cannot reliably get 220V. This Bill addresses such management and service quality for consumers.

¶ 05 Next, CEB workers: we have ensured job security and protection of all allowances. Importantly, we maintain 100 percent state ownership and national security and economic interests, while restructuring so that the sector does not burden the nation, but benefits consumers and the country.

¶ 06 A key goal is to enable quality service under competition. Many state entities suffer from inefficiency; through this restructuring, keeping 100 percent state ownership and employment security, we introduce competition to serve the public better. Today, two entities distribute power — CEB and LECO — but consumers cannot choose their service provider. Through this Bill we expect to introduce smart systems so consumers can select CEB, LECO, or other licensed providers. We will also form a “GenCo” to open generation to a competitive market.

¶ 07 Sri Lanka has strong human capital. Some local consultancy firms now deploy power-sector expertise in Africa. CEB-affiliated companies can also leverage such opportunities, like how Chinese state companies operate abroad, earning foreign exchange.

¶ 08 A past Member said CEB paid massive sums for emergency purchases: e.g., 2016–2021, we bought electricity worth Rs. 59.454 billion from Ace Power Embilipitiya — equal to 32 percent of the estimated 2018–2027 long-term transmission development plan costs. That company earned profits reportedly 885 percent of its investment — Rs. 14 billion. Such practices happened under previous governments. Now we are regulating emergency purchases strictly.

¶ 09 Another technical point for the Minister: gold-plated standards. Sometimes our standards exceed Europe or America. Where their factor of safety is 1.5, the CEB may use 2.5, wasting state funds. We should review and rationalize standards to ensure quality without waste.

¶ 10 In sum, this law will enable high-quality service, thinking 20–25 years ahead, giving a strong start to the power sector. Thank you.