Opposition MP S. M. Marikkar has claimed that the price of a litre of diesel could increase by Rs. 150 in the coming period, warning that the public will face a further rise in the cost of living.
Addressing a public gathering, Marikkar said the Government had come to power promising relief to the public, including lower electricity tariffs, reduced taxes and lower prices for essential goods.
However, he alleged that instead of reducing costs, electricity tariffs had increased significantly under the current administration, while further increases in water tariffs and fuel prices were also expected.
Marikkar claimed that the depreciation of the rupee and rising fuel costs would result in increases in the prices of imported goods, medicine, food items and agricultural inputs in the coming weeks.
He further alleged that the country’s debt burden had increased sharply due to the weakening rupee, claiming the dollar rate had risen from Rs. 292 to Rs. 336 since President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assumed office.
The Opposition MP also criticised the Government’s handling of the energy sector, alleging losses linked to coal imports and increased spending on private power purchases.
Marikkar said the Government was relying heavily on IMF support and warned that further economic pressure would ultimately be passed on to the public through higher prices and taxes. (Newswire)