SLPP National Organizer Namal Rajapaksa has called on the government to publish a full breakdown of fuel pricing and prove claims that fuel is being subsidized, arguing that consumers deserve greater transparency.
Speaking at a public meeting in Colombo, Rajapaksa questioned why fuel prices in Sri Lanka continue to rise while several countries in the region are reducing prices in line with lower global oil prices.
He alleged that the government was passing the costs of inefficiency and mismanagement onto the public instead of providing relief to consumers.
Rajapaksa challenged authorities to disclose all components used in determining local fuel prices, including import costs, taxes, levies, transport charges and profit margins.
“If the government claims fuel is being subsidized, it must prove it by publishing the full cost breakdown and allowing the public to examine the figures,” he said.
The SLPP National Organizer also criticized the government’s handling of the economy, claiming it had failed to address key issues such as youth unemployment, the rising cost of living and challenges faced by businesses.
He further accused the government of responding to public concerns with suppression rather than solutions, citing protests by graduates seeking employment and demands made by three-wheeler operators.
Rajapaksa also expressed concern over the dengue situation, claiming authorities had not taken sufficient preventive measures and urging local councils to strengthen waste management, drainage maintenance and mosquito control programmes.
Commenting on agriculture and fisheries, he called for fertilizer subsidies for farmers and fuel concessions for fishermen, arguing that greater support for domestic production would help reduce food costs and save foreign exchange.
He concluded by saying many families were struggling with the cost of living and urged the government to focus on economic relief, job creation, public health and transparency. (NewsWire)