The opposition claims Sri Lanka will soon become the country to charge the highest price for a litre of fuel.
Speaking during a media briefing in Colombo today, Parliamentarian Tissa Attanayake said the government is also preparing to introduce a fuel pricing formula.
The Parliamentarian said prices of essential items are being increased arbitrarily by companies such as Lanka IOC and noted that the government need not remain in power under such circumstances.
He said the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has also sought permission to increase prices of fuel in line with the IOC price hike adding the CPC has requested the government to increase prices to a higher level than the current IOC rates.
The MP said the cost of living will be severely affected due to the CPC’s decision to increase fuel prices.
He said fuel prices must depend on the living conditions, income and expenditure levels and not according to the prices of other countries.
On a separate note, Parliamentarian Tissa Attanayake questioned the government on how they plan to source the Rs.15 billion required to increase Samurdhi allowances as it is a political movement.
MP Attanayake said they have no issues with increasing Samurdhi allowances adding however it was only a mere political campaign and not a programme to eliminate poverty in the country.
He said increasing allowances must be a policy matter.
MP Attanayake questioned why the government failed to include details of the Rs. 229 billion economic stimulus package to the 2022 Budget.
He said an individual cannot make decisions pertaining to funds over Rs.40-50 billion adding all such decisions should be reached in Parliament.
