Government final decision over utility bill relief next week

COLOMBO (News1st): A final decision on the relief that would be granted over utility bills will be reached next week, cabinet spokesman Bandula Gunawardana said. Public complaints have arisen over utility bills that were delivered after two months amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring payments to be made cumulatively. A committee that studied the issue recommended concessions to be given to households that have consumed up to 90 units, along with a three month moratorium to settle payments. "The President, Prime Minister and the ministers put forward views to look into ... whether relief can be given to households that have consumed up to 120 units instead of 90," Gunawardana noted. The report submitted before the cabinet on Thursday also recommended that services must not be disconnected due to late payments. Meanwhile, problems have arisen over loan concessions announced by the government amidst the pandemic as it could burden the people with debt. "A proposal was put forward, to appoint an ombudsman for the people to address their problems relating to relief concerning the finance sector," the cabinet spokesman told reporters.