The Hon. Gayantha Karunatilleka

¶ 01 The President promised on the campaign stage to reduce electricity bills—Rs. 3,000 down by Rs. 1,000; Rs. 6,000 down to Rs. 3,000. Today there are 6.8 million electricity consumers; about one million have been disconnected due to non-payment. As the SJB, we promised to help reconnect them with interest-free instalments. The people did not accept what we said; they trusted your unlimited reductions. Your Electrical Workers’ union leader told the media that currently power is generated entirely from hydro, and CEB is highly profitable: Rs. 62 billion last year and Rs. 142 billion by November this year. Employees expect bonuses by December 10. We say: while paying bonuses, also reduce tariffs as promised to give relief. Even the October 1 reduction could not be done.

¶ 02 If CEB profits exceed Rs. 15 billion, under the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka Act No. 35 of 2002, the Board itself can decide on tariff reductions. Now profit exceeds Rs. 200 billion; why not reduce tariffs as promised?

¶ 03 Finally, you frequently spoke about rice in past power changes. In 1965, Dudley Senanayake promised a free measure of rice. In 1970, Mrs Bandaranaike, to regain power, said on May Day at Campbell Park: “Give me a mandate, I will give two measures free.” J.R. asked, “How will you do that?” She replied, “Even from the moon I will bring rice.” The SLFP rank and file marched singing, “Our Mother comes—two measures of rice.” You came to power promising to end the rice mafia; in the end, you did not end the mafia—rice itself disappeared.