Water Supply and Drainage Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara has made a written request to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to suspend the order issued by Secretary to the President PB Jayasundara to shut down the Public Utilities Commission.
Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara has pointed out to the Prime Minister how this proposed action, which is in stark contrast to the budget proposal to amend the Public Utilities Commission Act, could cause serious public displeasure.
The Minister pointed out that the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka has always acted to resolve any dispute with a citizen through arbitration and conciliation.Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara has briefed the Prime Minister on the history of this institution which has worked effectively in resolving not only electricity but also water and petroleum related consumer issues.
The Minister further pointed out the importance of taking action against this order as the institution has prevented the unjust increase in the price of electricity in the past. He asked the PM to step in as the leader who prevented in Parliament the attempt of the previous government to reduce the powers of the Public Utilities Commission by allowing the government to purchase electricity without calling for tenders.
Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara has said that the closure of this institution, which is an institution that should be protected, could disrupt customer service and discredit the government.
