[Unnamed Minister/Member]

¶ 01 For the three months of October, November, and December 2025, the forecast has been prepared based on the costs of the four licensees distributing electricity.

¶ 02 Under the cost-reflective methodology, revenue for the last quarter of 2025 is forecast at LKR 112,372 million, while total expenditure for the quarter is estimated at LKR 125,377 million. As per the tariff methodology, the loss or profit of the quarter must be aligned to the relevant quarter.

¶ 03 That is, under the “P-2” approach, two previous quarters are taken into account, and their profit or loss must be aligned to this quarter. Otherwise, merely stating numbers will not be correct; there is a set methodology for it.

¶ 04 Accordingly, the corresponding quarter is the second quarter of 2025, during which an estimated regulated profit of LKR 5,311 million was reported, mainly due to increased rainfall. Together with that profit, a loss amounting to LKR 7,994 million is shown, which has been indicated as a 6.8% deviation.

¶ 05 We have decided, as a government policy, to reduce electricity tariffs by 30% over the next five years, and we are working toward that objective. The legal authority to revise electricity tariffs lies with the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka. They carry out that task based on the necessary data, entirely without any interference from our Ministry of Power. Therefore, we will await their decision.

¶ 06 I must emphasize that the scientific and positive changes that should have occurred in the past did not take place within the outdated governance systems that prevailed, and just like previous governments, another institution is now approaching bankruptcy based on forecasts. The question here is whether the people elected us to power to implement the policies of the SJB or the Ranil–Rajapaksa groups under the pretext of creating competition. I heard that earlier an SJB MP asked us why we formed 100% state-owned companies and whether it would have been better not to amend the Electricity Act. If we had left it as it was, then their policies would in fact be implemented. If so, only those destructive policies would prevail. I ask: is that what is desired? Yet the Opposition’s trade unions take to the streets in Colombo shouting that the grid was sold and privatized. Leaders say one thing while their cadres on the street say something else. The people and the workers of this country are being misled in that manner. I would like to ask whether that is truly what politics should be.

¶ 07 We will never implement the policies that have, over 77 years, practically guaranteed failure and bankruptcy, ruining the country and the people and squandering state resources. We consider it a primary duty to protect the power sector and all employees engaged in it. Although the national grid has long incurred a large daily expenditure, due to the actions of a very small group operating under the naive notion that everything must be done under a single technical-professional cohort, without proper disciplined management or human resource management, the institution has fallen into its current state. It is our responsibility to revive it.

¶ 08 Accordingly, we have taken on a challenge that had not been addressed for so long, Hon. Member Moolasanaroosa. Yes, we will definitely fulfill it. Therefore, we need not be perturbed by ad hoc demands for periodic price increases. Immediately upon assuming office, you too called for a 38% increase. Yet today, the electricity bill is being maintained at 5% less than the price that existed before we came to power. At the same time, we are developing the electricity sector. Going forward, we are working to cap the purchase price of a unit of electricity at 5 US cents. That is how we are proceeding. This cannot be done overnight. For 19 to 20 years, we have been a country that purchased a unit of electricity at LKR 37. Therefore, we cannot immediately provide a unit at LKR 17 or 18. First, we must reduce the input costs.

¶ 09 Senior members of the Opposition now speak as if newly born. It is because of the wrong decisions they implemented that we are in this situation. One unit from renewable energy was purchased for as high as LKR 370. When we reduce the purchase price of renewable energy, they shout that solar projects are being slashed. Fine. Thereafter, they demand that retail unit prices to consumers be reduced. I would like to ask this Hon. Member: where did we assault and drive people away? No, no—do not lie. Do not lie. He also alleged that we chase away businessmen who come to install solar panels. I have no record of such an incident. Do not lie like that. Do not misuse parliamentary privilege to tell lies. I kindly request that. You can only lie in here. If you can, go outside and make those statements. Hon. Archchuna, do not lie inside this House. We are here from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. I came from Mannar. If such things exist anywhere, show the videos. We challenge you: show them if you can, that we ran away in fear. We do politics with the people. Therefore, do not tell such lies. The Opposition always says such things. Whether we reduce electricity bills, increase them, or reduce production costs, you keep shouting. Do not do politics like that. I request you not to engage in such petty politics. Thank you.