The Opposition yesterday (10) requested a debate on the government’s decision to increase electricity tariffs from Wednesday (10). The debate will be held on August 29.
Opposition’s Chief Organizer Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Lakshman Kiriella made the request from the Speaker.
Kiriella observed, “The electricity prices have gone up drastically. Some from 75% and some from more than 100%. How can people carry on their lives like this? Those days some leaders claimed that they could be taken to the ‘electric chair’ but now it is actually the people who have been taken to the ‘electric chair’. So please give us a debate on this matter.”
“I want the Minister to reconsider the increase after the debate. Apparently, the price hike will be applied from today. I received more than fifty telephone calls on this matter. People cannot go on like this” Kiriella noted.
In reply, Minister Kanchana Wijesekara said he is ready to provide an explanation on the decision and informed the Speaker if he allowed a debate, he would agree to it.
Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said a decision regarding the requested debate would be taken at the next Party Leaders’ meeting.
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