Parliamentarian Dr. Harsha De Silva says daily losses incurred by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation will increase further owing to the depreciation of the rupee.
Speaking to media in Colombo, the MP said the government is preparing for an election under the guise of rural development.
Responding to a statement by Minister of Energy Udaya Gammanpila, the MP said according to the Minister the CPC incurs a daily loss of Rs.550 million adding that losses will widen as the selling rate of the rupee against the dollar, is being forced at Rs.205 when in reality it remains at Rs.250.
He said the daily loss of the CPC will increase to Rs.650 million, claiming that reducing taxes is not a solution.
MP de Silva said through the move the CPCs issues will be solved, while the government’s issues will only worsen.
He charged the government of taxing businessmen, attempting to obtain money in the Employees Provident Fund and other fraudulent efforts focused on the upcoming elections, and the need to win over public support by using the funds towards the ‘100,000 Projects’ of rural development.
MP de Silva said the government is attempting to cover up public disdain towards them, prior to the conduct of elections.
