New Electricity Act: Consumer Protection at Risk

COLOMBO (News 1st); President's Counsel Shantha Jayawardena warned that the Minister of Power and Energy could transform into a "monster" due to the extensive powers granted by the proposed new Sri Lanka Electricity Act.

He made this warning at the Supreme Court, during the hearing of 12 petitions challenging the Electricity Bill, which had been submitted to Parliament by Minister Kanchana Wijesekera, the Minister of Electricity and Energy, ostensibly aimed at restructuring the Ceylon Electricity Board.

Petitions filed challenging the proposed Sri Lanka Electricity Act were taken up at the Supreme Court for consideration in the presence of Justices Vijith Malalgoda, Shiran Gunaratne, and Arjuna Obesekera.

During the hearing, President's Counsel Shantha Jayawardena, representing the CEB Engineers Union, highlighted that the proposed new act grants direct power to the Minister of Power and Energy, related to the serious, complex, and technical matters related to the appointment process for the National Electricity Consultative Council and the Board of Directors for the National System Operator, approving long-term power generation plans, as well as issuing licenses to future energy companies.

President’s Counsel, Uditha Igalahewa, warned that the legislation could potentially allow companies formed under its provisions to reap unlimited profits, while completely doing away with consumer protection.

Other legal representatives speaking on behalf of the petitions argued that the new law jeopardizes the sovereignty and mandate of the country’s citizens and may infringe upon constitutional rights.

The Supreme Court has scheduled further hearings on these petitions for next Monday.