Posted on December 22nd, 2020
Courtesy Hiru News Speaking at the Cabinet press briefing today (22), Cabinet Spokesperson, Minister Keheliya Rambukwella stated that the Government is not looking to abolish the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), but to appoint an alternative organization similar to that.
He explained that within a year, the Government has observed major incompetencies with the PUCSL which they hope to correct with the alternative option.
He added that the new organization will be appointed following the discussions with the Finance Ministry as well as the President’s Office which would also decide the powers that will be vested with the new organization.
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COLOMBO (News 1st): A cabinet paper has been presented to establish a new institution in place of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, the Consumers to Protect Rights movement alleged today (21).
“When attempts were made to hand over the tender to construct the 4th power plant in Norochcholai to a Chinese company disregarding procurement procedures, the PUCSL intervened and halted it. Moreover, the PUCSL foiled attempts to purchase emergency power over the past year. This independent institution has become an annoyance because it stops the corrupt activities of the CEB”, Kelum Amarasinghe, the Convenor of the Consumers to Protect Rights movement revealed.
Says around 20,000 electricians have already taken steps to obtain license
Says electricity mafia is behind moves to close down PUCSL
The Sri Lanka Association of Electricians (SLAE) points out that due to the closure of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), the National Electrician Licensing Scheme implemented under the leadership and coordination of the Commission will also be deactivated.
The Electrician Licensing Scheme has been prepared with the approval of the Government to provide recognition and a career ladder to electricians in this country. At present nearly 20,000 electricians have taken steps to obtain these licenses. Another 25,000 electricians are expected to apply in the future.
Former Chairman of PUCSL, Attorney at Law, Saliya Mathew writes
Being a utility regulator has
perils because the independence of the regulator necessarily removes power from
politicians, operators, and others. Furthermore, regulators are sometimes
scapegoats for unpopular policies and unavoidably become involved in shaping
the policies that they are supposed to implement. As a result of such
frictions, regulators are sometimes removed from office or marginalized in some
way. However, having a regulator is paramount important to a country and its
people. Sri Lanka has and had many regulatory authorities and these regulatory
institutions are known for its independence and for its dedication to improving
Dec 21, 2020 (LBO) – Electricity Mafia is conspiring to shut down the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka as the Commission will not approve illegal electricity projects, the National Coalition for Protection of Civil Rights said.
Releasing a statement, the Coalition said this electricity mafia is made up of certain electrical engineers, officials of several ministries, ambassadors, and individuals.
The National Coalition for the Protection of Civil Rights calls on the people to unite to defeat the conspiracy of officials and politicians to distribute power plants to their allies and charge consumers for the high prices paid for them.