Samagi Jana Balawegaya Parliamentarian Niroshan Perera has questioned Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera over the practicality of issuing fuel under a rationing system amidst an existing fuel shortage.
Speaking at a media briefing today, MP Perera said a rationing method will further destabilise the economy.
He said certain filling stations haven’t received diesel in close to two weeks, and condemned the Minister’s proposal to ration the supply of fuel.
MP Perera questioned if the Minister is working towards disrupting the economy further.
He noted that the public requires fuel in order for the economy to function.
MP Perera said corruption at the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation must be eliminated while losses incurred must be addressed as well, in order to solve the economic crisis.
The Parliamentarian claimed that a rationing system will also create a black market and urged the Minister to implement a programme to secure fuel for the country.
MP Niroshan Perera added a suitable programme must be implemented to solve the economic crisis.
The MP said the Ceylon Electricity Board, the CPC, and SriLankan Airlines are incurring large losses, with the government having to fund these institutions.
He noted that when sufficient funds cannot be sourced, the government prints money leading to the rupee further depreciating.
