Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekara has slammed Omalpe Sobitha Thera for his comments relating to the recent electricity tariff hikes. He said making comments claiming the Thera will not pay the electricity bills going forward will incite the people and is not suitable for a Buddhist bhikku.

The Minister made these comments while attending a political program.

“Where does the loss go when people refuse to pay the bills? How do we generate power?” he asked adding that the Thera who was once part of a political group is still engaging in politics by making such claims.

Wijesekara said Thera should request a solar panel instead by way of relief than claim he will not pay the bills.