News
Electricity Consumers’ Association cries foul over IMF interference here to jack up power tariffs
Secretary of the Electricity Consumers’ Association, Sanjeewa Dhammika, yesterday (10) urged the Public Utilities Commission (PUCSL) to immediately lodge a complaint with the CID over what he described as pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to increase electricity tariffs in Sri Lanka.
Speaking at a media briefing held in Gampha, he said the IMF was pushing for tariff hikes at a time when fuel and coal prices had not increased. “The Public Utilities Commission is an independent body. Any revision of electricity tariffs must be done in accordance with Section 30 of the Electricity Act, not under pressure from the IMF,” he stressed.
He alleged that the government had invited only a few representatives of pro-government trade unions to Parliament on the 9th for a discussion with the Power Minister, violating trade union principles. “We have learned that during that meeting, they discussed dividing the CEB into four companies. Why can’t they have such discussions openly in front of all employees?” he questioned.
Dhammika also criticised former trade union leaders who, he said, now use state power to suppress workers. “The same people who once criticised the IMF are now dancing to its tune. The IMF is interfering with the country’s laws and pressuring independent commissions. We demand that the PUCSL immediately complain to the CID,” he said.
According to him, the IMF is insisting that the CEB be split into four companies and that tariffs be raised. “How can they exert pressure on an independent commission? This will further burden the people,” he charged.
Dhammika pointed out that the push to raise tariffs comes at a time when oil and coal prices are stable and the cost of buying electricity from solar producers has been reduced. “They are deliberately ignoring the generation plan and exaggerating fuel costs to justify LNG purchases at higher prices through agreements signed with private companies,” he claimed.He further accused the Opposition of failing to defend the public interest. “We urge the Opposition to rally the people to the streets if the tariff hike is imposed on the 14th,” he said.
by Anuradha Hiripitiyage ✍️
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in a high-level dialogue titled “Tourism as Soft Power and Diplomatic Capital” held at the Euronews Hub, Piz Buin Davos, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on January 20.
The session explored how tourism functions as a strategic instrument of diplomacy by strengthening international trust, cultural exchange, and regional cooperation through mobility and people-to-people engagement. The Prime Minister shared the panel with Mr. Kuban Omiraliyev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States and Mr. Meshari Alnahar – CEO Aseer Investment Company, Saudi Arabia.
Addressing global trends, the Prime Minister emphasized that Sri Lanka is an example of hope, recovery and resilience in a world of conflict demonstrating how tourism can play a critical role in a changing global environment particularly amid climate shocks, geopolitical instability, and uneven economic recovery. She noted that tourism is not only an economic sector but also a vital diplomatic bridge that supports livelihoods, builds relationships and connects people.
Drawing on Sri Lanka’s recent experience, she highlighted the country’s strong tourism recovery despite multiple crises, including the impact of Cyclone Ditwah. Transparent crisis management and strategic engagement with international partners helped sustain visitor confidence, resulting in record tourist arrivals even in challenging circumstances.
The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of green and climate friendly tourism infrastructure and underlined that Sri Lanka welcomes long term investment in tourism. She pointed out that tourism supports millions of jobs worldwide and that inclusive policies are essential to ensure fair opportunities, particularly for women and vulnerable communities.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
During an operation conducted in the dark hours of 20 Jan 26, the Sri Lanka Navy seized two (02) Indian fishing boats and apprehended seven (07) Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, off Kovilan, Jaffna.
The seized boats and Indian fishermen was to be handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Myliddy, Jaffna for onward legal proceedings.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in a series of high-level bilateral meetings on January 20 on the sidelines of the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland.
The Prime Minister attended a productive bilateral meeting with Mr. Jozef Síkela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships. During the discussion, both sides focused on strengthening Sri Lanka–EU cooperation and advancing mutual interests.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya also met with Mr. Masato Kanda, President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), at the WEF Congress Centre. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss ongoing engagement and future collaboration between Sri Lanka and the ADB.
In addition, the Prime Minister held discussions with Mr. Hassan El Houry, Chairman of Menzies Aviation, where opportunities for collaboration in aviation services and connectivity were explored.
The Prime Minister also participated in a high-level dialogue at the Global Tourism Forum held at the Euronews Hub, Piz Buin, Davos, as part of the World Economic Forum engagements.
Dr. Anil Jayantha, Minister of Labour, and the Deputy Minister of Finance were also present at these meetings.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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