After weeks of public outrage and political finger-pointing, the Finance Deputy Minister sets the record straight, insisting that cheaper electricity is a long journey, not an overnight promise.
The government has never promised to slash electricity bills by one third immediately after coming to power, Labour, Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Anil Jayantha has said, pushing back against growing public criticism over proposed tariff changes.
Speaking on the Swarnavahini Rathu Ira programme, the minister stressed that the pledge to reduce electricity bills was always framed as a long-term commitment, not an instant relief package.
“When we came to power, we did not say that we would reduce the electricity bill by one third next month,” he said. “We clearly stated that it would take three to four years. This is a long-term journey.”
Anil Jayantha argued that electricity pricing cannot be treated like purchasing goods from a shop. He explained that tariffs can only be reduced if the cost of generation is brought down, which requires structural reform and investment in renewable energy.
“Our aim is to reduce electricity bills, but for that we must reduce production costs,” he said. “Renewable electricity has to be increased at a low price.”
He pointed out what he described as a contradiction in public demands. “On one side, they demand that we pay Rs. 60 for solar electricity. On the other side, they demand lower electricity bills. Is this ignorance of economics?” he asked.
The minister said the Electricity Act and the creation of four electricity companies were part of a broader reform agenda aimed at cutting costs and improving efficiency. He added that the government’s target is to raise renewable energy generation to 70 percent.
Sri Lanka, he said, could eventually produce more wind and solar power than it needs, opening the door to exporting energy or converting it into ammonia and green hydrogen.
“For this, a little patience is needed,” he said. “Electricity bills cannot be reduced all at once. We are working gradually towards that goal.”
