The opposition charges the government is attempting to increase electricity tariffs by 499 percent for the nearly 6.5 million domestic consumers.
Parliamentarian Patali Champika Ranawaka noted there are 72,831 factories, 665 main hotels, 10,385 state institutions, 46,375 places of worship and nearly 884,000 shops and public places.
He added therefore of the 7.5 million electricity consumers nearly 6.5 million are domestic consumers.
MP Ranawaka claimed the government is preparing to increase electricity tariffs by 499 percent for between 0 and 30 units, by 350 percent for between 31 and 60 units and 166 percent for between 61 and 90 units.
He said over 1.38 million consumers use between 0 and 30 units, nearly 1.75 million consumers use between 31 and 60 units and nearly 1.69 million consumers use between 61 and 90 units.
MP Patali Champika Ranawaka claimed only an 18 percent increase was proposed for consumers who have used over 180 units of electricity.
The MP claimed the government has proposed an increase of nearly 500 percent in tariffs for those who do not have funds and a small increase for those who do.
MP Ranawaka said the proposals were directed to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka.
The MP stressed if electricity tariffs are being increased a discussion must be held in this regard with the public.
He also questioned the Public Utilities Commission on whether it was fair that an institution that cannot provide electricity throughout the day is requesting to increase electricity tariffs.
