July 08, Colombo: The Cabinet of Ministers, which met today (08) has decided that the government, giving maximum relief to consumers affected by the COVID-19 crisis, will bear part of the March and April electricity bills, Minister of Transport Services, Power and Energy Mahinda Amaraweera said.

The Minister pointed out that household electricity consumption increased in March and April months as people stayed in their homes for nearly two months due to curfew imposed in the wake of the COVID-19 epidemic.

Since the government has imposed the curfew and advised people to stay inside, the government has decided to bear a part of the increased electricity tariffs, the Minister added addressing a press conference held at the Ministry of Petroleum Industries..

When the report of the five member committee appointed by the Minister to provide relief to consumers regarding electricity bills was presented to the Cabinet today, the government decided to go beyond the recommendations made by the committee and provide more relief to the public, the Minister said.