Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekara has extended a challenge to the National People’s Power (NPP) and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) for a debate on critical issues surrounding energy policies, fuel taxes, and corruption allegations within the energy sector.
In a statement on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), Wijesekara criticized NPP presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake for his recent promise to lower fuel prices by removing the Rs 50 per liter tax introduced in 2022. Dissanayake has claimed that the debt associated with the tax has already been recovered, justifying its removal.
Wijesekara disputed these claims, stating, “I’m not sure how they come up with these numbers and claims to mislead the public and the voters.” He elaborated that the Rs 50 tax was part of a broader plan to manage the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation’s (CPC) debt, which was transferred to the Treasury in 2022.
According to Wijesekara, the CPC’s debt was Rs 1,200 billion (USD 3,400 million) in 2022, initially addressed with a Rs 25 per liter tax, which was increased to Rs 50 per liter in 2023. This strategy aims to repay the debt by 2029. By early 2025, the remaining debt is projected to be around Rs 656 billion, requiring another four years to settle completely.
Wijesekara challenged Dissanayake on how he plans to cover the Rs 656 billion deficit if the tax is abolished. He questioned whether this would involve printing money, acquiring additional loans, raising other taxes, or an alternative solution.
The Minister has invited both the NPP and SJB to publicly discuss these matters. “I would like to know how AKD will reduce the Rs. 50 tax and bridge the gap of Rs. 656 billion remaining,” Wijesekara concluded.
