Electricity Tariff Hike Proposed to Cover Rs. 60 Billion Loss; MP S.M. Marikkar

25-Feb-2026

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MP S.M. Marikkar of the United People’s Power accused the government of attempting to raise electricity tariffs to recover a Rs. 7.6 billion loss caused by corruption in coal procurement.

At a press conference in Colombo on February 22, he stated that although President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration claims no misconduct occurred, MPs from the ruling party have facilitated irregularities in coal procurement. 

Delays in ship arrivals and substandard coal quality have further compounded the loss.

The Sri Lanka Electricity Board has proposed a 13% electricity tariff increase to offset this loss. 

Marikkar criticized the Energy Minister for misleading Parliament and holding responsibility for these procurement failures.