Nationwide protest announced against electricity bill hikes

By Anuradha Hiripitiyage

Electricity Users’ Association Secretary, Sanjeeva Dhammika, has called upon the public to stage a massive protest against the recent increase in electricity bills.Addressing a press conference in Colombo on Thursday, Dhammika made a fervent plea for a widespread demonstration to voice the collective discontent regarding the escalating costs of electricity.

Dhammika urged citizens to participate in this protest by displaying black flags on their houses, businesses, and sacred places until November 20, signifying their dissatisfaction with the surging electricity bills. This symbolic gesture is intended to be a visible statement of public concern, and Dhammika encouraged broad participation.

In a further demonstration of their commitment to the cause, the Electricity Users’ Association plans to organize a nationwide half-hour blackout on the upcoming Poya Day, which falls on the 28th of this month. During this time, Dhammika urged people to switch off all lights from 7:00 to 7:30 pm as an act of protest against the government’s policies on electricity tariffs.

Highlighting the extent of their protest, Dhammika revealed that the Electricity Users’ Association, with the support of various civil and religious organizations, will lead a protest march on November 1, commencing at 8:00 am. The march is scheduled to start in front of the Divulapitiya main bus station on the Colombo-Kurunegala road and will culminate at the Ministry of Power and Energy on Flower Road, Colombo.

He said that the protest will serve as a platform for citizens to voice their concerns and call for a reconsideration of the current electricity pricing policies.