News

‘Another power tariff hike will be last nail in the coffin of small industries’

Published

3 years ago

2023/01/13

By Sujeewa Thathsara

Many small industries will collapse due to the government’s decision to increase electricity tariffs head of the National Construction Association of Sri Lanka (NCASL) Susantha Liyanaarachchi told journalists in Colombo.

“This will also affect the construction industry. The industry is already on the verge of collapse, and the next tariff hike will be the last nail in its coffin,” he said.

Only big companies from India, China and Singapore would be able to bid for large projects in Sri Lanka, Liyanaarachchi said.

“This will also benefit politicians because they can get commissions,” he said.

Tania Abeysundara, Chairperson of Sri Lanka United National Businesses Alliance (SLUNBA), said that politicians who lived off taxpayer money did not understand the difficulties faced by Sri Lankans.

“Most of the companies will close down with another big electricity tariff hike. This will put many people out of work. Given the current business climate, a big hike in electricity tariff is a blow we can’t take,” she said.

She said that they had warned the government that around 4.5 million Sri Lankans employed in the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) might lose their jobs in the coming months unless the government stepped in and assisted businesses.

“Instead of helping us, they are making things difficult,” she said.

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Latest News

Bus fares increased by 12.19% from midnight today [23]

Published

9 hours ago

2026/03/23

Priyan

Bus fares have been increased by 12.19% with effect from midnight today [23rd March 2026].

The minimum fare will be increased from Rs 27 to Rs 30 while the maximum fare of Rs2159/- will be increased to 2422/-

Latest News

Public will not be served as Computer system failure at Department of Registration of Persons

Published

10 hours ago

2026/03/23

Priyan

The Acting Commissioner General of Registration of Persons has announced that due to an unexpected failure of the computer system of the Department of Registration of Persons, all services, including the one day service will not be held on Tuesday (24th March) at the Head Office and all Provincial offices.

Latest News

Heat Index at Caution Level in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Anuradhapura, Mannar and Vavuniya districts

Published

19 hours ago

2026/03/23

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology
at 3.30 p.m. on 22 March 2026, valid for 23 March 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in
Anuradhapura, Mannar and Vavuniya districts.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.