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Kanchana urged to review proposed power sector reforms to avert disastrous consequences
Dissident SLPP lawmaker Charitha Herath has urged Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera to review the proposed power sector reforms. The MP warned of dire consequences unless the Power Sector Reforms Secretariat Office addressed the vital issues before undertaking far reaching reforms.
The following is the text of SLPP National List MP’s letter addressed to Minister Wijesekera: “The power sector in Sri Lanka has been undergoing substantial reforms since the early 2000s, aiming to enhance efficiency, foster competition, reduce costs and promote the utilisation of clean energy resources. A recent milestone in this ongoing transformation occurred when the Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposed electricity bill put forth by the Ministry of Power. This Bill was officially gazetted on December 08, 2023, with its primary objective being the facilitation of the unbundling of services provided by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and the subsequent restructuring of the CEB. Pending approval by the Parliament, the enactment of the new Electricity Act is anticipated, serving as a pivotal step to realize the envisioned reforms outlined in this proposed Bill.
A robust evaluation of the proposed power sector reforms in Sri Lanka is imperative and should encompass comprehensive studies, including technical, economic sensitivity, and risk analyses. These assessments play a crucial role in gauging the potential impact and outcomes of anticipated reforms in a vital sector like electricity. Regrettably, no analysis reports accompanying the proposed Bill or emerging during the recent process have been observed. It is essential that thorough and transparent assessments are conducted to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of the envisaged reforms in this critical sector.
I strongly advocate for a thorough review of analysis reports before determining critical timelines, attributes, and policy decisions associated with the electricity reform process. Several concerns have been identified:
1. Ministerial Authority: There is concern over the potentially disproportionate authority granted to the Minister.
2. Disparities in Objectives: Notable disparities between the objectives outlined in the report of the Cabinet-appointed committee and the Act are observed.
3. Selection Mechanism Transparency: The proposed mechanism for selecting and appointing individuals to institutions lacks professionalism and transparency.
4. Rigid Timelines: The reform timelines appear aggressive, providing limited flexibility for necessary corrections.
5. Automatic Activation Challenges: Automatic activation of Act provisions may hinder changes in government policy without amending the Act.
6. Harmony with Existing Acts: Lack of harmony with other Acts, such as the Sri Lanka Sustainable Authority Act No.35 of 2007, raises concerns of potential overlap of powers and obligations.
7. Least Cost Principle: The least cost principle is not ensured, having been replaced with ‘at least at economic cost,’ which includes externalities.
8. Asset Transfer Clarity: The transfer of CEB assets, particularly ownership of the National Grid, lacks clear definition, with clarity restricted to the ownership of Generation Entities’ assets.
9. Regulator Independence: The Minister’s ability to provide guidelines without restrictions poses a potential challenge to the independence of the Regulator.
10. Regulator Funding: The independence of the Regulator is further threatened due to inadequate authorities provided and the absence of a defined annual levy for licensees to pay to the Regulator.
11. Ministerial Authority on Policy Guidelines: Sole authority of the Minister to issue policy guidelines preventing monopolies, anti-competitive practices, collusion, abuses of a dominant position, and resultant merger situations is a point of concern.
12. Ministerial Discretion on Incentives: Ministerial discretion to grant incentives for private sector investments in Renewable Energy and other technologies warrants careful examination.
13. Dispute Resolution and Customer Safety: Lack of provisions for dispute resolution and customer safety is a notable gap.
14. Consumer Protection: The absence of provisions for Consumer Protection throughout the Act is a matter of concern.
15. Stakeholder Consultation: Optional stakeholder consultation for the preparation of Transfer Plans by the Power Sector Reform Secretariat raises questions regarding inclusivity.
16. CEB-Owned Subsidiaries: No mention of CEB-owned subsidiaries anywhere in the Act requires clarification.
Given the significance of these concerns, I urge your attention to address these issues for the betterment of the proposed reforms. A more comprehensive and transparent approach will ensure the successful realization of the intended objectives and foster public confidence in the transformative changes to our electricity sector.”
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo welcomed the U.S. Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, former National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players Stephen Howard and Astou Ndiaye, from June 8 through 14.
The Public Diplomacy section of the U.S. Embassy said that it would launch a weeklong basketball program intended to harness the unifying power of sports, made possible through collaboration with Foundation of Goodness and IImpact Hoop Lab.
While in Sri Lanka, Howard and Ndiaye, both retired professional basketball players, will conduct a weeklong program, Hoops for Hope: Bridging Borders through Basketball. The Sports Envoys will lead basketball clinics and exhibition matches and engage in leadership sessions in Colombo and Southern Province for youth aged 14-18 from Northern, Uva, Eastern and Western Provinces, offering skills and leadership training both on and off the court. The U.S. Envoys will also share their expertise with the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation, national coaches, and players, furthering the development of basketball in the country. Beyond the clinics, they will collaborate with Sri Lankan schoolchildren to take part in a community service project in the Colombo area.
“We are so proud to welcome Stephen and Astou as our Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, to build on the strong people-to-people connections between the United States and Sri Lanka,” said U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung. “The lessons that will be shared by our Sports Envoys – communication, teamwork, resilience, inclusion, and conflict resolution – are essential for leadership development, community building, equality, and peace. The U.S. Sports Envoy program is a testament to our belief that sports can be a powerful tool in promoting peace and unity.”
SJB Colombo District MP Mujibur Rahuman in parliament demanded to know from the government the reasons for CEB suspending the leave of all its employees until further notice from Thursday.
MP Rahuman said that the CEB has got an acting General Manager anew and the latter yesterday morning issued a circular suspending leave of all CEB employees with immediate effect until further notice.
“We demand that Minister Kanchana Wijesekera should explain this to the House. This circular was issued while this debate on the new Electricity Amendment Bill was pending. There are many who oppose this Bill. The Minister must tell parliament the reason for the urge to cancel the leave of CEB employees,” the MP said.However, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena prevented Minister Wijesekera responding to the query and said that the matter raised by MP Rahuman was not relevant.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) successfully concluded the 8th Annual CIPM Symposium, which took place on 31st May 2024. Themed “Nurturing the Human Element—Redefining HRM in a Rapidly Changing World,” the symposium underscored the pivotal role of human resource management (HRM) in today’s dynamic global landscape. Since its inception in 1959, CIPM has been dedicated to advancing the HR profession through education, professional development, and advocacy, solidifying its position as Sri Lanka’s leading professional body for HRM.
Ken Vijayakumar, the President of the CIPM, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The symposium commenced with the welcome address by the Chairperson, Prof. Arosha Adikaram, followed by the Web Launch of the Symposium Proceedings and Abstract Book by the CIPM President. The event featured distinguished addresses, including a speech by Chief Guest Ken Vijayakumar, President of CIPM, and an address by Guest of Honor Shakthi Ranatunga, Chief Operating Officer of MAS Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Sri Lanka.
The symposium also featured an inspiring keynote address by Prof. Mario Fernando, Professor of Management and Director of the Centre for Cross Cultural Management (CCCM) at the University of Wollongong, Australia.
Vote of Thanks of the inauguration session was delivered by Dr. Dillanjani Weeratunga, Symposium Co-chair.
The symposium served as a comprehensive platform for researchers to present their findings across a wide range of critical topics in HRM. These included Cultural Diversity and Inclusion, Talent Development and Retention, Ethical Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility, Adapting to Technological Advancements, Mental Health and Well-being at Work, Global Workforce Challenges, Employee Empowerment, and Reskilling and Upskilling.
The plenary session was led by Prof. Wasantha Rajapakse. Certificates were awarded to the best paper presenters during the valedictory session, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Kamani Perera, Manager of Research and Development.
The annual symposium of CIPM was a truly inclusive event, attracting a diverse audience that spanned undergraduates, graduates, working professionals, research scholars and lecturers. This widespread interest highlights the symposium’s significance in the field of HRM, offering a unique opportunity for everyone to network and learn from scholarly brains.The CIPM International Research Symposium was sponsored by Hambantota International Port, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), E B Creasy & Co. PLC, and Print Xcel Company.
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
