News
Rs. 33,600 extra per consumer looms as govt. fast-tracks 10 controversial solar projects
Electricity Consumers’ Assoc. accuses govt. of attempting to approve ten solar power projects through backdoor
Electricity Consumers’ Association Secretary Sanjeewa Dhammika says the government is attempting to approve 10 solar power projects through a Cabinet subcommittee, bypassing the established procedures. Addressing the media at Katubedda yesterday, Dhammika charged that if implemented, the project would cause an additional financial burden of Rs. 33,600 on every electricity consumer.
“Normally, when a company initiates a solar project, it must bear the cost of power transmission as required by law. However, the government is now preparing to cover those costs on behalf of ten selected companies,” he said.
According to Dhammika, the government has already estimated the transmission cost of the 10 projects at over Rs. 233 billion, which will be passed on to the public. “That means an expense previously borne by private companies will now fall on the shoulders of the people,” he said.
“When divided among Sri Lanka’s 6.9 million electricity consumers, this amounts to an additional Rs. 33,600 per customer,” he noted.
“It’s like charging consumers for 33,000 watts of electricity they never used,” Dhammika said, claiming that while the government typically purchased solar power at Rs. 17.60 per unit, it had agreed to buy power from those 10 projects at Rs. 18 per unit, despite the availability of suppliers willing to provide over 300 MW at lower rates.
“This is similar to the controversial LNG agreement that replaced diesel power generation,” he said.
Dhammika added that when calculated over a five-year period, the government’s Rs. 233 billion commitment translated to a non-interest cost of Rs. 38.63 per unit, which, combined with the Rs. 18 purchase price, would raise cost per unit to Rs. 56.63.
“This is not a solar power promotion – it’s a new way to burden the people for the benefit of a few companies,” Dhammika said.
A senior CEB official, contacted for comment, said they would issue a detailed response later.
By Anuradha Hiripitiyage ✍️
INS Sindhukesari, a submarine serving in the Indian Navy, arrived at the port of Colombo on 03 May 26 to undertake Operational Turnarounds.
The visiting submarine was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in precision with naval traditions.
Throughout its stay in the island, the submarine’s crew is scheduled to participate in a variety of programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, including visits to several tourist attractions in Sri Lanka.
Mikhail Murashko, Minister of Health of the Russian Federation, officially visited the Russian House in Colombo to attend the Sri Lanka–Russia Medical Forum, where members of the Sri Lanka Russia Business Council and graduates from the Association of Sri Lankan Graduates from Socialist countries (ASLGSC) attended.
This historic gathering was graced by rectors and representatives from several world-class Russian medical institutions, including Kursk State Medical University, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, and Tver State Medical University, among others.
The forum commenced with an address by Minister Murashko, during which Russian medical graduates in attendance raised pertinent questions regarding medical and pharmaceutical sector opportunities in Sri Lanka.
Levan Dzhagaryan, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, together with Madam Maria L. Popova, Counsellor of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Sri Lanka & the Maldives and Director of the Russian House in Colombo, graced the occasion. Both officials expressed strong support for continued collaboration and future initiatives between the two nations.
The official appointment letters for the members of the newly established “Cricket Transformation Committee” (CTC) were handed over on Monday (04) by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage.
The following members received their letters of appointment at the Ministry premises:
Sidath Wettimuny
Thushira Radella
Prakash Schaffter
Ms. Avanthi Colombage
The Ministry also noted that veteran cricketers Roshan Mahanama and Kumar Sangakkara, who are key members of the committee, are currently overseas. Their official appointments will be formalised immediately upon their arrival in Sri Lanka.
The Cricket Transformation Committee has been mandated to oversee the administration and drive structural reforms within Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in accordance with the powers vested in the Minister under the Sports Act No. 25 of 1973.
INS Sindhukesari arrives in Colombo
Minister of Health of the Russian Federation attends the Sri Lanka–Russia Medical Forum
Members of Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee Officially Appointed
Three prison guards arrested following the death of an inmate
Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 pm.
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