Electricity Tariff Hike Will Threaten Government’s Survival: Tissa Attanayake

07-Apr-2026

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United National Power’s National Organiser Tissa Attanayake stated that there would have been no need to increase electricity tariffs if low-quality coal had not been imported. He warned that if the government attempts another tariff hike, it could threaten the very survival of the administration.

He made these remarks while addressing a media briefing in Colombo on April 5.

He said the government is planning yet another electricity tariff increase. If inferior coal had not been imported, there would have been no need for such an increase, and the country would not have suffered losses amounting to billions of rupees.

He noted that government representatives are making contradictory statements regarding the import of low-quality coal. He criticised the view expressed by Minister Bimal Rathnayake that penalties should not be imposed on companies responsible, claiming it would discourage future coal imports. Attanayake described such a position as supporting theft and alleged that it suggests possible undisclosed dealings between the government and those companies.

He stated that although many government figures admit that low-quality coal was imported, they continue to claim that it did not cause losses. However, due to inferior coal, 120 megawatts of power generation capacity was reportedly lost, resulting in clear financial losses to the Ceylon Electricity Board.

He alleged that the government is now attempting to shift this burden onto the public.

Attanayake further pointed out that prior to coming to power, the government promised a 33 percent reduction in electricity tariffs. Instead, tariffs have been increased, and there are reports of plans for another hike. He warned that such action would make the cost of living unbearable for the people and could destabilise the government.