Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah

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

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, I am pleased to join the Committee Stage Debate on the financial allocation to the Ministry of Power and Energy. This Ministry is like the backbone of the country, with key departments. We pray its work proceeds well. It must act considering people’s welfare and the national economy. It should not operate like a mere business enterprise looking only at income, but function to stabilize people’s economic situation.

¶ 03 Over the past 2–3 days, everyone knows the country faced a serious issue regarding fuel. The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation suddenly decided to cancel the 3 per cent commission paid to its dealers, and the dealers stopped operations. For a long time, CEYPETCO has paid 3 per cent to its dealers. That three per cent includes all their total costs—rent, labour, transport and other maintenance expenses. Their entire income is within that 3 per cent. Private companies like Sinopec and the Australian company also pay that 3 per cent. CEYPETCO’s sudden decision is wrong. They should have discussed with dealers.

¶ 04 Given rising living costs, employees demand salary increases. In this situation, the question is whether to increase the 3 per cent, not reduce it to 2 per cent. Many petrol shed owners told me they cannot run if it is cut to 2 per cent; they cannot cover expenses. Understand their difficulties. Either continue the 3 per cent or discuss and decide with them.

¶ 05 We commend the work of the Ceylon Electricity Board. Despite increased workload, the CEB is functioning well. Due to rising consumer numbers, there are delays in providing new connections in some areas and in solar connections, due to shortages of meters and connectors. The Ministry should urgently supply the necessary equipment to expedite this.

¶ 06 Approvals have been given to provide solar systems to places of worship. But in Batticaloa District, Eastern Province, Christian churches and mosques have not yet received the approvals, despite an Indian Credit Line being available. Places of worship are struggling to pay electricity bills. The Ministry should urgently implement solar supply projects for places of worship so the CEB can expedite its work.

¶ 07 Any government should prioritize solar energy. Producing one kilowatt by diesel costs around one-fourth of total fuel cost, which is nearly Rs. 80 today. The same kilowatt by solar costs Rs. 34–37—about half. The Acting DG of PUCSL and the Acting GM of CEB, in a letter titled “Re: Requesting the Approval for the Revised Rooftop Solar PV Purchase Tariff,” stated:

¶ 08 “As per the General Policy Guideline for Electricity Industry issued by Ministry of Power under Section 5 of Sri Lanka Electricity Act No. 20 of 2009, Sri Lanka’s current energy policy has set a goal for renewable energy adoption in the electricity sector; 70 per cent of electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030. Accordingly, the Long-Term Generation Expansion Plan (2023-2042) approved by the Commission, has identified technology specific targets to achieve the above policy goal, including the rooftop/ground mounted solar capacity to be added to the system in order to achieve the above policy goal.

¶ 09 The Commission has observed that the solar PV (Rooftop and Ground) capacity addition targets of the Long-Term Generation Expansion Plan have not been achieved so far (Target up to 2024 = 1660MW, but only 1167MW achieved so far. Further, target in 2024 = 483MW, but only 261MW achieved so far and target in 2025 = 505MW) with an additional 3508MW of solar PV capacity still required by 2030.”

¶ 10 We must prioritize solar power. Instead, various restrictions are being imposed; for example, on Sundays solar power to the grid will be curtailed. This shows a lack of priority. We have not achieved even 50 per cent of targets. Delaying solar will increase costs. Please reconsider.

¶ 11 The Northern and Eastern Provinces, North-Central, North-Western, and Monaragala in Uva should get high priority for solar. Appoint specialized staff, streamline grid connections, and prioritize procurement of meters and connectors. Do not rely only on coal; its total investment is higher and more expensive than solar. I urge you to give priority to solar power systems.

¶ 12 Thank you.