CEB aims for over 60% electricity tariff hike

CEB aims for over 60% tariff hike; Indonesian company to supply coal from February

by Staff Writer 27-12-2022 | 5:49 PM

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Sri Lanka's Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera on Tuesday (27) announced that the country's Attorney General granted approval to award a coal tender to an Indonesian company with a joint local partnership to supply coal to the island nation from February 2023.

The Minister said that nine suppliers had placed bids for the tender, and the Indonesian company was selected as it was the lowest bid.

"They grant a credit period of 180-days. Therefore, the tender was awarded to them," said the Minister.

The supplier was identified as Arista Mitra in Indonesia, said Lanka Coal Company (LCC) Chairman Shehan Sumanasekera.

At a media briefing in Colombo, it was also revealed that the electricity tariff will be hiked by 60% to 65%.

In addition, the Minister said that three coal shipments for the Norochcholai coal power plant are expected to reach Sri Lankan shores on the 5th, 9th, and 16th of January 2023.

He also said that all places of worship will be provided with a free-of-charge 5 KW solar power unit, and it will be provided under an Indian credit facility within three months.