## Summary
Hon. Kodeeswaran raised several concerns regarding the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and its impact on low-income communities, particularly in the Eastern Province. He opposed the CEB's proposed 13.56% tariff increase for the second quarter, warning it would disproportionately burden poor consumers, and cited a reported Rs. 15.8 billion loss from low-quality coal procurement as an example of mismanagement that ultimately passes costs to the public. He called for improved coal procurement mechanisms, worker protections for approximately 23,000 CEB employees facing uncertainty from the proposed unbundling of the CEB into four entities, and expedited processing of new electricity connections. Additionally, he urged the CEB to relocate hazardous roadside power poles in Ampara and Batticaloa districts causing fatal accidents, and requested that the Government support flood-affected paddy farmers in those districts through the provision of paddy drying machines, subsidised electricity rates, and fair purchase prices for their crops.
Madam Deputy Chairperson of Committees, this adjournment motion raises important matters. The power sector is closely tied to the economy; mismanagement and irregularities here directly burden the poorest.
The CEB has proposed a 13.56 per cent tariff increase for the second quarter to the Public Utilities Commission. This burden will fall on low-income consumers. We must avoid a repeat of the 2021–2022 electricity and fuel shortages which plunged the country into crisis.
On low-quality coal: in June the CEB reportedly suffered a loss of Rs. 15.8 billion. Such losses will be passed to consumers, again hurting the poor. A proper mechanism is needed to procure coal and manage generation correctly.
Around 23,000 CEB employees fear for their future as the CEB is to be unbundled into four entities. The Government has a duty to protect these workers.
In Ampara and Batticaloa districts, unnecessary power poles on roadsides and within road reservations are causing fatal accidents. The CEB should remove poles sited too close to roadways. In places like Oluvil–Akkaraipattu–Thirukovil and across Batticaloa, remove these hazardous poles.
There are also unacceptable delays in new connections; many applicants have waited months. The Government should expedite new connections.
Farmers in Ampara and Batticaloa are in deep distress due to rains. Paddy has become wet and must be sold at a loss—three bushels for Rs. 10,000. The backbone of the nation is suffering. The Government should install paddy drying machines in affected areas and provide electricity at subsidised rates, and purchase paddy at fair prices to save these farmers.