The United Merchants Association in Colombo yesterday urged all businessmen in the country to pass on the benefit of a 20 percent reduction in electricity tariff to consumers.
When the electricity tariff is reduced by 20 percent, the prices of goods and services in all sectors should decrease,” the United Merchants’ Association in Colombo President Krishan Marambage said.
Among the most affected are the self-employed businessmen, small-scale and large-scale businesses, including the hotel industry, exporters, manufacturers, and spice producers, who will see the significant impact of tariff cuts on their operations and on the broader economy.
He said it would be possible to reduce the prices of many goods and services by at least 10 percent in the wake of the power tariff reduction.
“We strongly urge the business community to alleviate the burden on the public by lowering prices, starting at least from today,” he added.
Marambage said that his Association greatly appreciates and is thankful for this relief, which comes at a critical time when all the sectors are gradually recovering.
“Our voice has been heard and we are truly grateful for this electricity tariff revision,” he said, adding that the relief will enable reduction in the cost of living and boost economic stability.
United Merchants Association in Colombo Chief Secretary H.K. Jagath Kumara said everyone should think of this as a humanitarian gesture and provide this relief to the people. This is a Government which has recognised the suffering of the people and is free from corruption and fraud. It has set a great example by reducing electricity bills to reduce the cost of living, he said.
“Everyone should support the Government at this time and do whatever we can. We know that the Government has big plans to provide relief to the people and to revive the country. We believe that the upcoming Budget will provide some reasonable relief to the people. We have great confidence in the path this Government is taking, free from fraud and corruption,” he added.
While lauding the Government for reducing the electricity tariffs as recommended by the Public Utilities Commission (PUCSL), Marambage further said the previous government did not consider the PUCSL recommendations for tariff reductions.
He also said people of this country faced a lot of problems during the previous Government. “All traders are always ready to increase the price of goods, but they don’t like to reduce the price of goods. This is unfair. We request the traders to give concessions to the people,” he added.
Marambage said the Opposition should stop criticising the Government and should support the Government’s good work.
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