The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has submitted a formal proposal to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) seeking an 11.57% average tariff increase for the first quarter of 2026 (January–March). 

The utility aims to recover an estimated revenue deficit of Rs. 13.1 billion during this period.

The CEB attributes the need for this revision to legacy financial pressures, including deferred payments to fuel suppliers, independent power producers (IPPs), and rising interest costs.

The CEB’s submission is based on an annual electricity demand growth forecast of 3.72%, tied to IMF economic projections. 

The Electricity Consumers’ Association (ECA) and former PUCSL officials have criticized the move, arguing that high rainfall and increased hydropower generation should have lowered costs rather than necessitating a hike especially following the recent impact of Cyclone Ditwah.

The PUCSL will now review the submission and conduct public consultations before making a final decision.