Minister of Energy Kanchana Wijesekera has denied allegations that fuel has been provided at subsidized rates for Parliamentarians.
In a Twitter message, the Minister said, “while I do understand the frustration and anger from the public, posts shared on MPs being given subsidized fuel rates are false.”
Minister Wijesekera clarified that no Parliamentarian from either side or anyone has been given subsidized rates than the current market prices given to the public.
He further said that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has been instructed to carry out an investigation on the rates displayed in the dispenser at the Police Garage.
Minister Wijesekera said he will also make a statement on the matter in Parliament today.
“No one will be extended privileges on fuel stations other than ambulance and essential services,” he added.
Minister Kanchana Wijesekera’s clarification comes after reports were rife on social media and the media that Parliamentarians were being provided fuel at a subsidized rate at the Police Garage.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Police has also issued a clarification on the matter, stating that measures had been taken to provide fuel to Parliamentarians at the Police Garage due to recent uncertainty over their security.
The Police said the measures were taken on the instructions of the Speaker of the Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena and were implemented as a temporary measure.
The Police further said that the Speaker had instructed for the fuel to be provided at the current price in the local market and not under a subsidized rate. (NewsWire)
