Opposition Leader Criticises Proposed Electricity Tariff Hike

18-Mar-2026

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa accused the government of planning to pass on losses from poor-quality coal to consumers through higher electricity tariffs.

He highlighted that at the Norochcholai Power Plant, only 678 MW was produced on March 14 due to substandard coal, far below the target of 810 MW. This shortfall forces the government to use costly fuel-based plants, raising future tariffs for 7.5 million electricity consumers.

Premadasa condemned the government for using the Middle East conflict as an excuse to justify the increase.