Several views were expressed in Parliament today in response to the special statement by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Parliamentarian Rohitha Abeygunawardena said while Ranil Wickremesinghe has been accepted as the new Premier concerns persist over the hardships of the public amidst the prevalent economic conditions. MP Abeygunawardena said the reality is bitter adding that a kilogram of dhal at present is being sold at Rs.650, a kilogram of sugar Rs.320, nadu rice Rs.240, red onions Rs.540, dried fish and sprats Rs.1,600, coconut oil Rs.580, and a loaf of bread Rs.160.
Meanwhile, Parliamentarian Sarath Fonseka said the Prime Minister today requested the public to accustom themselves to two meals. MP Fonseka said the government must not encourage people to eat less, and must instead uplift farmers and enhance their trade. He charged that importing food through loans will not address the people’s hunger.
Furthermore, Parliamentarian Jagath Kumara said Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa and the leader of the National People’s Power Anura Kumara Dissanayake were unwilling to take on responsibility. He thanked Ranil Wickremesinghe for taking on the post of Prime Minister in order to take charge of the government and seek solutions to the people’s grievances. MP Kumara said the Prime Minister has a major task at hand and must make many sacrifices to provide solutions to numerous issues.
Meanwhile, NPP Parliamentarian Vijitha Herath accused the Prime Minister of citing continued difficulties since being appointed. MP Herath said the Premier has repeatedly been issuing warnings that the future is bleak and the next three months would get worse. He noted that today the Prime Minister urged the public to use fuel and electricity sparingly.
Furthermore, Parliamentarian JC Alawathuwala said the United National Party claimed that 48-hours after being elected Prime Minister Wickremesinghe would reduce gas prices. However, he charged that the Premier has failed to reduce gas price and queues.
