Speaker of the Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena announced this evening that the third reading of the Electricity Bill has been passed in Parliament with amendments.

The second reading of the draft bill was also passed with a majority of 44 votes.

The ‘Electricity Bill,’ incorporating significant reforms for the electricity sector, was presented by Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera on April 25 and published in the government gazette on April 17.

The Bill aims to establish the National Electricity Advisory Council and designate the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) as the regulator for the electricity industry. It also includes provisions for creating corporate entities responsible for the generation, transmission, distribution, trade, supply, and procurement of electricity.

Additionally, the Bill proposes repealing the Ceylon Electricity Board Act, No. 17 of 1969, and the Sri Lanka Electricity Act, No. 20 of 2009.

The proposed bill faced challenges in the Supreme Court, which found several clauses inconsistent with the Constitution. The Supreme Court determined that these clauses require either a special majority in Parliament or approval via a referendum. However, the court indicated that these clauses could be passed with a simple majority if amended as specified.

On June 5, the government agreed to accept all the Supreme Court’s proposed amendments to the draft bill, ensuring its passage through the legislative process.

The passing of the ‘Electricity Bill’ marks a significant step towards reforming the country’s electricity sector, aiming for enhanced regulation and operational efficiency.