Tariff hike imposed to recover coal losses – Sajith Premadasa

10-May-2026

.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has criticised the 18 percent electricity tariff increase, stating it was imposed to recover losses from substandard coal procurement.

He said the Samagi Jana Balawegaya had opposed the proposal during public consultations and warned against passing the burden onto consumers.

He alleged that the government initially denied wrongdoing in coal imports and later shifted explanations regarding quality issues.

He stated that the additional costs arising from reduced coal power generation have been transferred to the middle class and small and medium entrepreneurs.

He called the decision unjust and urged that losses be recovered from responsible parties rather than the public.

He warned that such policies could discourage foreign investment and negatively impact the economy.