ADB, JICA and WB express concern over parts of Electricity Act Amendments

The Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the World Bank have written to Energy Minister regarding several key issues concerning the Electricity Act 2024 Amendments published in the Gazette recently.

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The World Bank, ADB and JICA have been the major development partners in the power sector of Sri Lanka. The three institutions coordinate closely on key policy issues, investments, and technical assistance.

In a letter addressed to Minister of Energy Eng. Kumara Jayakody recently, the institutions thanked the Ministry of Energy and the Power Sector Reforms Secretariat for their continued engagement over the past several months on this topic.

However, they highlight four issues in the version of the Amendments to the Electricity Act 2024 published in the Gazette and being proposed to Parliament for consideration, which they believe impede the original intent and spirit of the Act regarding sector efficiency, good governance, and financial sustainability, all with the ultimate objective of ensuring a high quality of service to consumers at affordable prices.

"We share these comments in the spirit of supporting the Government of Sri Lanka in the smooth implementation of the final version of the Act and ensuring a strong energy sector for the future," says the letter, signed by the Country Manager of the World Bank and IFC, ADB Country Director and JICA's Chief Representative of Sri Lanka Office.