The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran

¶ 01 Madam Deputy Chairperson, through this Adjournment Motion important issues have been raised about the power sector, which is closely tied to the economy and directly affects the poor. The CEB has proposed a 13.56 per cent tariff increase for the second quarter to the Public Utilities Commission; this burden will fall on low-income consumers.

¶ 02 In 2021–2022, power and fuel shortages hurt people and the economy. We must avoid a repeat. Concerns were raised about low-quality coal and a Rs. 15.8 billion loss to the CEB in June, which will be passed to consumers. The poor will suffer. Therefore, a proper mechanism is needed for coal imports and electricity generation.

¶ 03 Around 23,000 CEB employees now face uncertainty with unbundling into four entities under privatization; Government must protect their jobs.

¶ 04 In Ampara and Batticaloa, unnecessary power poles along roads are causing accidents and deaths. The CEB must remove poles set too close to or within carriageways, particularly in Sainthamaruthu (Aalayadivembu), Kalmunai, Thirukkovil, and other areas.

¶ 05 There are also long delays in providing new connections; applications wait months. The Government should expedite connections.

¶ 06 Heavy rains have created severe hardship for farmers in Ampara and Batticaloa; wet paddy fetches very low prices (e.g., Rs. 10,000 for three bushels). The Government should install paddy drying machines (burners) in affected areas and offer concessionary electricity and fair procurement prices so farmers can dry and sell their harvest. I conclude with that appeal.