The Samagi Jana Balawegaya says the present administration is attempting to lead the public to starvation by increasing prices of essential items at a time when many individuals have lost sources of income.
Speaking during a media briefing, Parliamentarian SM Marikkar said the prices of several other items will also increase in future in line with the planned increase in fuel prices.
MP Marikkar said today must be declared a day of mourning due to the price of a domestic gas cylinder increasing by Rs.1,257, wheat flour by Rs.10, cement by Rs.93 and a kilogram of milk powder by Rs.250 while a 400g packet increased by Rs.100.
He said in addition to these increases the Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation is now calling for a fuel price hike over an alleged loss of Rs.70 billion.
The Parliamentarian said in line with these price hikes, prices of general food items including kottu, string hoppers, and milk tea increases.
Joining the media briefing Parliamentarian Tissa Attanayake said the price of a domestic gas cylinder increased by a large figure for the first time in the history of Sri Lanka.
MP Attanayake said in the past price of gas was increased by approximately Rs.50.
He said it is evident that the government has completely disregarded the public and their survival in the face of these prevailing issues.
