The Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill was passed in Parliament with a majority of 96 votes today.

The aforementioned Bill was passed in Parliament with amendments.

The second reading debate of the Bill was held from 11.30 am to 5.00 pm today, after which a vote was taken and the Bill received 121 votes in favour and 25 votes against.

Subsequently, during the Committee Stage, several amendments were incorporated into the Bill. However, no vote was taken for the third reading.

Accordingly, the second reading of the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill was passed in Parliament with a majority of 96 votes.

The Bill proposes to revise and refine the electricity sector reforms introduced in 2024, aims to balance privatization with public ownership, especially in generation and distribution, and seeks to enhance transparency, efficiency, and alignment with national energy policies. (Newswire)

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Electricity trade unions say they will engage in a strike today (22), by applying sick leave, to protest the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill. 

At a joint press conference held yesterday in Colombo, union representatives stated that representatives of 28 trade unions will stage a protest today in front of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) headquarters.

The Supreme Court recently informed the Speaker that certain provisions in the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill presented to Parliament by the government require a two-thirds majority and a public referendum for approval.

Accordingly, the government plans to incorporate the necessary amendments during the committee stage of the bill.

The second reading debate on the electricity reform bill is scheduled to take place the day after tomorrow. (Newswire)

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Deputy Speaker, Rizvie Salih, today announced the Supreme Court’s determination on the Electricity Amendment Bill, stating that several clauses violate the Constitution of Sri Lanka.

Addressing a special session of Parliament today, the Deputy Speaker said that as such, the Bill requires approval by a special parliamentary majority and a public referendum.

He further said that, however, these violations would not apply if the clauses are amended as outlined in the Supreme Court’s determination. 

The Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill, published in the Government Gazette on 16 May 2025, is currently under review and has faced legal challenges. 

The bill proposes significant changes to the existing Sri Lanka Electricity Act, No. 36 of 2024, including amendments to tariff setting and the National Electricity Advisory Council. (Newswire)

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