Master Sir, Why oh Why???
The Minister of Power and Energy Pavithra Wanniarachchi had to come across a similar situation the Minister of Petroleum Industries Anura Priyadarshana Yapa was faced with recently. Minister Wanniarchchi had told a weekend newspaper last Sunday that electricity tariffs could not be reduced immediately after the second stage of the Norochcholai coal power plant is commissioned.
However, on the 16th an entirely opposite to what the Minister said occurred. The President declaring open the second stage of Norochcholai coal power plant said with the opening of the second stage people could be given relief and announced a reduction of 25% to the electricity bill.
The President’s sudden announcement, despite officials saying no relief could be given in the near future, indicates the reduction of the electricity tariffs has been carried out targeting the Uva PC election. The Minister’s answers to the questions asked by the journalist indicate that the reduction of electricity tariff was to be carried out only before the presidential election.
When the journalist asked what relief would the people get once the second stage of the power plant is declared open on the 16th the Minister says, “I can’t promise to reduce electricity charges immediately after the opening of the second stage. However, relief could be given to consumers in 2015.”
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