Opposition MP Dr. Harsha de Silva has criticised the government over the ongoing cooking gas shortage, saying many Sri Lankan families cannot afford to depend on food delivery services such as PickMe Food and Uber Eats and need gas to prepare meals at home.
Speaking about the difficulties faced by consumers, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP questioned the government’s failure to address the shortage, particularly the continued unavailability of Laugfs gas.
“Not everyone can afford PickMe Food or Uber Eats. Many families are struggling to manage three meals a day, and they depend on cooking at home. But there is no gas,” he said.
Harsha said the situation was particularly concerning at a time when the prices of wheat flour, bread and fuel had increased, adding further pressure on household budgets.
He also referred to his own experience, saying he had been unable to obtain a Laugfs gas cylinder and was managing because he had access to a Litro cylinder.
The MP raised questions about the difficulties facing Laugfs, referring to reported US sanctions against a Dubai-based subsidiary of the company over alleged dealings involving Iranian energy products.
However, he questioned why the government had been unable to find a solution to the Laugfs supply issue, which he described as a relatively straightforward problem affecting ordinary households.
Harsha also criticised the ruling Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), claiming that if the party were still in opposition, it would have organised protests over a similar situation.
He urged the government and the minister responsible to address the cooking gas supply problems without further delay, stressing that families already struggling with rising living costs should not have to face additional difficulties preparing their daily meals. (Newswire)
