NCE expresses concern on proposed CEB tariff hike

The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka which represents the voice of the exporter were of the unanimous view that if the proposed hike in electricity tariffs of around 43% were to be implemented, it would have disastrous consequences on export enterprises which are so vital to sustain the economy.

Members of the Council who met last week, said there is a need for a vital energy plan as well as policies for alternative energy sources to be worked out to overcome any need to increase prevailing electricity tariffs.

Members of the Council of the Chamber were of the strong view that any proposal to increase electricity tariffs should be at least differed till the end of the year to enable the stakeholders specially in the export sector, to plan and propose for implementation alternative strategies to prevent any hike in electricity tariffs.

The Council was of the view that failure to do so would have severe repercussions on the vital export sector which could result in the closure of many enterprises which would not be able to remain competitive in international markets resulting in the loss of foreign exchange earnings to the country as well as loss of employment to many.

The Council requests the Government to give due consideration to their concerns and differ implementation of any increase of the prevailing electricity tariffs.

The Chamber has a membership of over 450 exporting companies and service providers to exporters encompassing all product and service sectors.

They include major product sectors such as textiles and apparel, tea and tea products, rubber and rubber products, coconut products, gems and jewellery, ceramic and porcelain products, agricultural products as well as industrial and engineering products. Member companies of the chamber comprise large, medium and small scale enterprises among whom are most of the leading export companies in Sri Lanka.