Samagi Jana Balawegaya Parliamentarian SM Marikkar has called on Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to obtain fuel from the Middle East under a concessionary loan scheme.
Speaking during a media briefing in Colombo today, MP Marikkar requested the Premier to seek the assistance of the opposition if necessary.
The Parliamentarian said queues have increased from single file to three lines adding the burden on the public keeps increasing.
He said the public is today content by merely witnessing a fuel bowser or consuming one meal.
MP Marikkar said fuel and gas was obtainable after spending 4-5 hours in line several months ago adding however the wait has extended to 2-3 days at present.
The MP said the public patience is waning, claiming the public will display their frustrations in a more violent manner.
On a separate note, MP SM Marikkar called for an immediate inquiry into the retraction of a statement by the former Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board MMC Ferdinando to the Committee on Public Enterprises pertaining to the Mannar Wind Power Project.
MP Marikkar said the former CEB Chairman sought to retract the statement that the Adani Group was to be awarded 500MW renewable energy projects under the directives of the President.
The MP said a COPE member, clearly informed Ferdinando that he cannot withdraw a statement in such a manner as it was Ferdinando’s duty to provide accurate information to the Committee.
He said the former CEB Chairman does not have a right to withdraw statements as a letter directed to the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance clearly states the decision was reached under directives of the Head of State.
MP Marikkar said MMC Ferdinando cannot remove himself from this situation by resigning.
He said a Tweet from the President on the CEB Chairman’s resignation will not be sufficient adding the issue will not be resolved without a stringent investigation.
