Opposition parties are demanding the government not to offer renewable energy projects generating over 10MW on unsolicited proposals.
The Parliament is currently debating an amendment brought by the government to the Sri Lanka Electricity Bill even though the opposition is proposing an amendment to it.
Amendment moved by the opposition: These amendments to be applicable to exclude renewable energy projects above the capacity of 10MW
“We are suggesting to limit such unsolicited proposals for all projects below 10MW and to have some kind of transparency in awarding those contracts to any projects beyond 10MW based on at least the Swiss Challenge method," Parliamentarian Rauff Hakeem said.
"I hope the government will consider this very seriously and accept it otherwise we will be compelled to vote against this."
The government has decided that by 2030, Sri Lanka must have almost 70% of its power generation through renewable energy.
Meanwhile, a Gazette notification has been issued declaring the supply of electricity as an essential service.
"It is the PUCSL who evaluates the bids whether it is unsolicited bids or otherwise and decides to offer the license according to the law based on the least cost principle," PUCSL Chairman Janaka Ratnayake said.
"We also request the trade unions to carry union actions without hindering the rights of the people."
The Colombo District Court has issued an enjoining order against the Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers’ Union (CEBEU) and its Joint Secretary.
Update: Electricity (Amendment) Bill passed in Parliament without amendments. Amendment moved by opposition to stop offering renewable energy projects over 10MW on unsolicited proposals rejected by the government.