Despite a significant drop in global crude oil prices, Sri Lanka has yet to see a corresponding reduction in domestic fuel prices, a situation that has prompted Member of Parliament S.M. Marikkar to call out the government’s silence and demand accountability.
Speaking to the media in Colombo, MP Marikkar questioned why fuel prices have not been adjusted this month, despite falling prices on the world market. “Earlier, they used to say it’s the Central Bank paying Rs. 50 per litre to settle debt, or that commissions were being taken. But now, under a so-called corruption-free government, why hasn’t the price gone down? Who is pocketing the difference?” he asked.
He suggested that the lack of price reductions could be a form of punishment against voters for not supporting the ruling party in the recent local elections. “Is this a grudge against the people, or is someone still making illegal profits?”
MP Marikkar also slammed the government for breaking its election promises, reminding the public of previous commitments to reduce electricity tariffs by two-thirds, eliminate taxes on food, health, and education, and reduce fuel levies.
Instead, he pointed out, Sri Lankans are now staring down the barrel of an 18% increase in electricity bills, continued high fuel prices, unrelenting taxes, and soaring costs of living.
“Where are the investments? Where are the jobs? Where is the relief?” he asked. According to Marikkar, not a single dollar in foreign investment has arrived since the President took office more than eight months ago. “There have been trips abroad, agreements signed some even hidden from Parliament but no benefit has reached the people.”
He was particularly critical of government dealings with foreign powers, claiming assets like oil tanks were handed over to India and the Hambantota refinery to China, without any visible returns. “The government is creating pathways for other nations to benefit from Sri Lanka’s resources, but what have we gained in return?”
While Marikkar acknowledged that the President appears to be the only rational actor in the current administration, he accused the leadership of governing with fear and hesitation, choosing inaction over experimentation due to potential backlash.
He concluded by warning that the government’s failure to deliver even the minimum promised relief would lead to increasing public dissatisfaction. “If this continues, the people will make their voices heard loud and clear.”
