Leader of the United National Party Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says the public can file a Fundamental Rights petition before Court against the imposition of power cuts outside of the announced schedule.
Speaking in Parliament the former Premier said the power cuts will pose concerns to students sitting the Advanced Level Examination.
Former Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said a fundamental rights case can be filled over the matter as power cuts are being imposed at varying times.
The UNP leader called for the imposition of power cuts to be halted until the 5th of March until the completion of the A/Level Exam.
Minister of Education Dinesh Gunawardena responding to the request said discussions were held with the Department of Examinations, and the Ceylon Electricity Board and the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka to take the examinations into consideration when imposing power cuts.
Joining the debate State Minister of Co-operative Services, Marketing Development and Consumer Protection Lasantha Alagiyawanna said the government accepts there was a shortage of gas, rice, sugar, milk powder and cement in recent days, and an increase in prices.
He noted however there is no shortage of gas, sugar and rice at present, adding the prices remain high.
The State Minister added the issue regarding milk powder and cement has not been resolved thus far.
State Minister Alagiyawanna said the government has taken all possible measures to resolve the issue by removing all taxes imposed on the two products.
He noted after a cement factory is built in Hambantota on the 7th of March, the factory will release three million sacks of cement monthly.
