Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has urged the government to ensure that fuel subsidies are directed to ordinary citizens rather than the ultra‑rich, stressing that relief must reach the middle and lower income groups.
Speaking at a meeting on current issues in the education sector, he said that while the government has raised fuel prices by the highest percentage, it must now honour its election promise to reduce prices.
Premadasa accused the government of leading a corrupt coal deal that has reduced electricity generation at the Norochcholai power plant by 180 megawatts due to the use of low‑quality coal.
He warned that the resulting shortfall will force costly fuel‑based generation, with the burden passed on to electricity consumers. He described the move to recover losses of Rs. 75 million from the public as “an extremely corrupt act.”
Premadasa further charged that fuel price hikes are collapsing the economy, noting that promises to provide fuel at landed cost and remove taxes such as VAT, surcharge tax, and import duties remain unfulfilled.
He called on the government to use trillions reportedly saved in the Treasury to reduce fuel prices and provide relief.
Highlighting the lack of clear policies for farmers, fishermen, and industrialists, the Opposition Leader said government inefficiency is pushing society towards collapse.
He insisted that the government must take responsibility for safeguarding the livelihoods of 22 million citizens, adding that the Opposition will not allow it to evade these responsibilities. (Newswire)