National People’s Power (NPP) Colombo District MP Devananda Suraweera has revealed that the current government is unable to reduce oil prices due to binding agreements made by previous administrations with fuel-importing companies.
Speaking to the media, Suraweera emphasized that the NPP government inherited several challenges, including fuel pricing tied to a predetermined price formula established by former Oil Ministers. As a result, fuel prices will fluctuate in accordance with this formula, limiting the government’s ability to offer immediate relief to consumers.
“The agreements made by the former Oil Minister were not reviewed in time, and we are now bound by their terms. This is why we cannot make arbitrary decisions to lower fuel prices,” he explained.
Addressing concerns about the rising cost of living, Suraweera noted that the government has not yet had the opportunity to develop long-term agricultural solutions, such as planting crops or expanding local food production.
“Until we reach the next agricultural season, we will have to continue importing food to ensure that the people are provided with sufficient supplies,” he said, acknowledging the government’s efforts to stabilize the food supply amidst ongoing economic challenges.
Suraweera also reassured the public that the government is working on strategies to manage these challenges more effectively in the future.
