The Samagi Jana Balawegaya claims the government lacks knowledge regarding economics.
Speaking during a media briefing Parliamentarian Eran Wickramaratne said the country’s power generation capacity is 4,800 while the demand is 2,800, and calls were made to increase the capacity.
He questioned if more loans can be obtained to increase the capacity and requested the government to refrain from raising white elephants.
The MP stressed the dollar shortage is the reason for the prevailing electricity crisis adding the capacity is not a concern.
MP Wickramaratne said while there is hydropower generation and a small amount of electricity is generated through solar and wind power, the rest of the power demand is generated with coal and fuel.
He added however fuel and coal cannot be purchased due to the dollar crisis.
MP Wickramaratne claimed ships carrying fuel and coal are held at the port as the government is unable to make the necessary payment to unload the ships, while some ships also turn back and leave after several days.
The MP added therefore power cuts are also being imposed due to the dollar shortage.
He noted while some areas experience power cuts up to three hours, certain areas have also experienced five-hour power cuts daily.
MP Wickramaratne claimed if the prevailing crisis continues, the duration of power cuts may increase further.
He noted it will affect the country’s production process as offices and factories will also experience power cuts.
