Mr. Ananda Palitha, the convenor of the Samagi Joint Union of Professional Unions, has raised concerns over the high fuel prices in Sri Lanka, suggesting that a reduction of Rs. 82 per liter is feasible. His remarks came during a discussion on a local radio station, where he pointed out contradictions in the government’s stance on lowering fuel prices.
According to Mr. Palitha, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), a state-owned enterprise, currently earns a profit of Rs. 11 billion monthly. Despite this profitability, an additional tax of Rs. 50 per liter continues to be levied on consumers. He argues that with the CPC debt-free, this extra charge is unwarranted, and the benefits should be passed on to the public by reducing fuel prices.
The activist also referenced a statement by Mr. Anura Dissanayake, who mentioned before his presidency that fuel prices included an unnecessary additional charge. Mr. Palitha emphasized the need for the government to honor these pre-election commitments, accusing it of delivering conflicting messages about fuel price adjustments.
The calls for reducing fuel prices highlight concerns about the transparency of the government’s taxation policies and the management of state-run enterprises, especially when citizens face economic pressures. The issue remains a focal point in the ongoing debate over the cost of living in Sri Lanka.
