Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said the National People’s Power (NPP) government’s proposed electricity policy would place an excessive burden on consumers, weaken the renewable energy sector and disproportionately impact low-income household
Posting on X, he objected to several elements of the policy, including a proposal to charge consumers for street lighting and the introduction of a time-of-use pricing system under which a unit of electricity could cost as much as 67 Sri Lankan rupees.
He described the measures as “blatantly unfair.”
Sajith warned that asking the public to pay for street lamps could lead to resistance, with potential consequences for public safety and law and order.
He also raised concerns about proposals affecting solar power users, particularly plans to charge for electricity generated by solar systems based on daytime consumption.
Sajith said such measures should not be implemented without broader public engagement.
“Proposals such as payment for solar generators based on units used by the consumer during daytime must be subjected to public consultation,” he said.
Sajith urged the government to honor an earlier pledge to reduce electricity tariffs by 33%, noting that the proposed 11.57% increase contradicts that commitment.
He also called on authorities to provide greater support to the renewable energy sector.
