• ECA claims 2 days insufficient to submit views 

The Electricity Consumers’ Association (ECA) yesterday (17) claimed that giving the public just two days to submit views on the proposed National Electricity Policy is unreasonable, and accused the Energy Ministry of attempting to merely complete a procedural requirement rather than genuinely consult stakeholders.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, ECA General Secretary, Sanjeewa Dhammika pointed out the notice calling for public comments was issued yesterday and that submissions are to be closed at 12 noon tomorrow (19), leaving less than two full days for the public to respond. He said that such a short timeframe is unacceptable, given the scope and significance of the policy, which deals with key national issues including energy security, electricity tariffs, privatisation, foreign investment, consumer rights and environmental protection. "It is difficult to accept that meaningful public participation could take place within two days on a policy that would shape the country’s energy sector for the years to come. This move is aimed at creating the legal impression that public views had been sought, rather than allowing space for genuine engagement," he alleged. 

Speaking further, Dhammika said that when formulating a national policy of this scale, the authorities are expected to follow basic principles of good governance. These include, he said, publicly notifying the process, making the full document easily accessible, granting adequate time for review and feedback, and holding open discussions with experts, trade unions, consumer representatives and civil society organisations. He warned that pushing through such an important policy in haste could lead to serious economic and social consequences in the future. 

Hence, he urged the authorities to immediately extend the deadline for public comments and to provide a reasonable period of at least 14 days for submissions. Dhammika also called for the full policy document to be made available in Sinhala, Tamil and English, and for a series of open public discussions to be organised.

Ministry Secretary and Acting Ceylon Electricity Board Chairperson, Prof. Udayanga Hemapala was not available for comment.