Dr Tilak Siyambalapitiya Dr Janaka Rathnasiri laments (The Island 19 Feb 2021) that the Power Ministry has ignored the President’s directive to draw 70% of energy from renewable sources by 2030. I saw the approved costs of electricity production for 2019, published by the Public Utilities Commission (PUCSL). PUCSL has also approved the prices to […]
Former Chairman of PUCSL, Attorney at Law, Saliya Mathew writes
Being a utility regulator has
perils because the independence of the regulator necessarily removes power from
politicians, operators, and others. Furthermore, regulators are sometimes
scapegoats for unpopular policies and unavoidably become involved in shaping
the policies that they are supposed to implement. As a result of such
frictions, regulators are sometimes removed from office or marginalized in some
way. However, having a regulator is paramount important to a country and its
people. Sri Lanka has and had many regulatory authorities and these regulatory
institutions are known for its independence and for its dedication to improving