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Small industries badly hit by power cuts, warning of job losses
View(s):By Sohan Vipulananda
Several small and medium scale industry leaders say if long power cuts are imposed they will be forced to close down, with many employees losing their jobs.
The tailoring and garment industries had fallen like other industries since COVID-19 hit Sri Lanka, along with the economic crisis.
Dehiwala tailoring shop owner Sarvan said they were unable to accept any orders from their customers because they could not deliver on time.
The tailoring business hit by powercuts. Pic by Akila Jayawardana
Machines used for tailoring operate with electricity and could not be used with power cuts at regular intervals.
The tailoring charges had also increased due to an increase in the electricity rates and other utilities.
Employees were not being paid a salary as the demand for tailoring had remained low since there were no special events and functions happening due to the economic crisis.
The food industry was also facing a new dilemma as raw materials prices had increased, in addition to the power cuts.
Wattala Sajth Bakers Owner Sajith Fonseka, said bakery owners could not make profits due to the economic crisis.
A large number of bakeries had sold their machines as they could not afford to pay the increased electricity bills, and some bakeries had even closed down.
Mr. Fonseka also said he had reduced the production of bakery items due to high prices of flour, but the demand was high from customers.
A pack of flour which was Rs.13,500 earlier now costs Rs. 21,000.
Grinding mill owner Paandidevar said they could not continue operations with generators as the grinding machines needed a high supply of electricity which came from the main line.
“We have lost a large number of customers as we are unable to complete orders on time,” he added.
Meanwhile people said they had to suffer because of the negligence of ministers and officials.
“This is not acceptable,” said Mr. Prashanth.
Mr. Prashanth also asked why the Government or relevant officials could not check the quality of the fuel being imported.
This came after the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) Chairman Janaka Ratnayake asked the Energy Minister to initiate legal action on the recent allegation that poor quality crude oil had been imported.
“This is so frustrating, as we do not have our basic needs fulfilled,” said Yehana Somaskanthan.
Checking the power cut schedules on a daily basis was frustrating for the people, she added.
“The politicians are the main cause for this situation. Yet there are not taking any responsibility,” Ms. Somaskanthan said.
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