Private sector unites to oppose draft Bill to amend Electricity Act

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, National Chamber of Commerce, Joint Apparel Association Forum and Federation of Renewable Energy Developers make joint written submission to Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development

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THE private sector has written to a Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee to reconsider the draft Bill to amend the Electricity Act, given widespread concerns over it.

In a joint action, The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, the National Chamber of Commerce, the Joint Apparel Association Forum, and the Federation of Renewable Energy Developers have made written representation to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development, listing a host of concerns.

"We remain committed to supporting meaningful reform of Sri Lanka's power sector. Our input throughout this process has been timely, constructive, and well-documented," the private sector organisations have said in their letter. However, they urged that the current draft Bill be reconsidered and not tabled in its current form and a revised draft be developed through a transparent, multi-stakeholder process.

The private sector also insisted the long-term vision of sectoral transformation be restored to its rightful place at the heart of legislation.

Following are excerpts of the letter. A collective of Chambers of Commerce and Industry Association write to express our deep concern regarding the proposed amendments to the Electricity Act 2024 from the Gazette published on 16 May 2025. This letter reflects the collective voice of key private sector stakeholders and members of Sri Lanka's renewable energy community, who have actively and constructively engaged in consultations and submissions throughout the reform process prior to 2025.