The Hon. Kumara Jayakody

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, we too want to provide electricity at least cost to households and industries. That is our primary objective and we are working hard on it. At times, you criticize us for reducing some items. We can only reduce consumer tariffs if we reduce the cost at which we procure electricity. We cannot buy at Rs. 150 a kilo and sell at Rs. 1300 a kilo, so to speak. We must first reduce the cost of procurement. Currently we procure solar at around Rs. 27–37 per unit while supplying to industries at Rs. 6–13 per unit in some categories. We have not decided to increase tariffs because the CEB has not finalized and submitted their calculations. As per PUCSL procedures, a decision will come around the beginning of next month. Neither the Government nor the CEB has decided yet. Over the last 5–6 months, we have pursued maximum cost reductions and will then review. The next six months are typically wet season; our forecast is cautiously optimistic that we can avoid an increase. There are legacy debts and arrears that impact tariffs. By early next month we can provide a definitive position. As a Government, we are not in a negative stance; we aim to reduce or at least keep tariffs stable.