A shameful bid to fleece consumers fails
Saturday 7th November, 2026 Those who welcomed the 2024 regime change, hoping that the new government would do everything possible to improve their lot, must be gnashing their teeth. Powerful rice millers have become a law unto themselves, determining prices according to their whims and fancies, with the government doing precious little to rein them […]
As the 2024 government transition unfolded, consumers grappled with rising prices and a lack of government oversight, particularly in the rice mill and commodity import sectors. The National System Operator (NSO) of Sri Lanka proposed a 2.88% power tariff hike for the fourth quarter of 2026, citing a projected revenue shortfall.
Both the Opposition and consumer advocates condemned the tariff hike, alleging it was a ploy to recoup losses from a fraudulent coal procurement contract. When the NSO faced mounting pressure to reverse its decision, it announced a 1.46% tariff hike instead. This change came after the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) adjusted its cost estimates and cited improved reservoir storage and forecasted above-average rainfall.
The PUCSL faced criticism for proposing the hike without a stakeholder consultation and for breaching its mandate. Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka accused the PUCSL of wasting public funds and acting under political pressure. The NSO and the PUCSL now face scrutiny for their decision-making processes, leaving the public weary of their actions.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
