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
Cabinet approval to seek AG’s advice to amend PUCSL and Electricity Acts
Move aimed at limiting PUCSL powers to consumer protection, regulating safety standards
New power projects to get go ahead from Cabinet with no intervention from PUCSL
Cabinet note says PUCSL standing in way of new projects has led to looming crisis in power sector
Says around $ 2 b investment in sector likely in next 24 months
By Asiri Fernando
Cabinet yesterday gave approval to seek advice from the Attorney General (AG) to amend the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka Act and the Sri Lanka Electricity Act and related legislation as the Government pushes ahead with winding up the PUCSL, which opponents say will weaken industry regulation and open the door to large-scale corruption.
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POWER MAFIA EMPOWERED - 0
Sri Lanka had not been able to get the best possible technology for power generation
The PUCSL would call for tenders with the participation of all stakeholders before implementing an electricity project
There are about 600 complaints a year regarding electricity services
The power mafia comprises crooked businessmen, engineers, bureaucrats and politicians
The lack of transparency adversely impacted investor confidence, which in turn negatively impacted the whole economy
The Auditor General has also revealed that the electricity from diesel could have been purchases at Rs 18 when Rs 45 to Rs 65 was charged per unit
In a surprise move, President’s Secretary P.B. Jayasundera on December 1 wrote to Treasury Secretary