Power policy consultation 'sham', say consumers

The Electricity Consumers' Association has raised serious concerns over the consultation process for the proposed National Electricity Policy, describing it as inadequate and legally questionable.

- BY ANURADHA HIRIPITIYAGE

National Secretary of the Association, Sanjeewa Dhammika, said he had been given only 30 minutes to present his views on the policy at a meeting held on Wednesday (21) at the Ministry of Power and Energy.

He said that although six members had been appointed to the National Policy Committee, only three were present at the meeting, casting doubt on the credibility and seriousness of the process.

Dhammika also criticised the absence of Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya, who is widely reported to have drafted the policy, from the committee meeting.

"He wrote the policy and then walked away. We didn't even get a chance to question him," Dhammika said.

He alleged that the consultation lacked proper notice and planning, noting that he had been informed only by a phone call the previous evening and asked to attend the meeting the following morning.