
The United Merchants Association in Colombo has urged all businessmen to pass on the benefit of a 20 percent reduction in electricity tariffs to consumers.
Association President Krishan Marambage emphasized that with the reduction, prices of goods and services across all sectors should decrease.
This includes businesses ranging from small enterprises to large-scale operations, including hotels, exporters, manufacturers, and spice producers, who will feel the impact of the tariff cuts.
Marambage suggested that the price of many goods and services could be reduced by at least 10 percent due to the tariff reduction and called on the business community to start lowering prices immediately.
He expressed appreciation for the relief, particularly at a time when sectors are recovering.
Marambage also praised the Government for recognizing the people’s suffering and making a decision that will help lower the cost of living and enhance economic stability.
United Merchants Association Chief Secretary H.K. Jagath Kumara urged all to view this as a humanitarian gesture and support the Government’s efforts to provide relief.
He noted that the current Government, which is free from corruption, has set a positive example by reducing electricity bills.
Marambage also criticized the previous government for not implementing recommendations from the Public Utilities Commission, which had suggested tariff reductions.
He appealed to traders to stop raising prices unjustly and to provide concessions to consumers.