Colombo, October 3, 2024 – Amidst growing public frustration, Mr. Ananda Palitha, convenor of the Alliance of Union Trade Unions, has raised questions over the government’s decision not to reduce fuel prices, despite earlier promises. Addressing a press conference in Colombo, Palitha criticized the new administration for continuing what he called an “exploitative fuel price formula,” similar to policies enacted under former minister Kanchana Wijesekera and former president Ranil Wickremesinghe.
According to Palitha, a significant portion of the fuel price—approximately Rs. 150 per liter—is due to taxes. He highlighted previous statements by Wijesekera that these taxes were driving up costs for consumers and should have been addressed in the latest price revision. However, despite ongoing public pressure, the government has failed to implement the promised reductions.
“The new administration is following the same exploitative path set by Ranil Wickremesinghe. With the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation recording profits of over Rs. 110 billion, the refusal to reduce fuel prices is unacceptable,” Palitha remarked. He demanded that the price of petrol be cut by at least Rs. 50 per liter, reflecting previous claims by politicians and economic experts.
Palitha went further, stating that fuel prices could be reduced by as much as Rs. 62.50, and in some cases, even Rs. 83.50, depending on the specific calculations used to measure the so-called “exploitation.” Diesel prices, he claimed, could see an even steeper reduction of Rs. 86.
“This is not just about prices; it’s about fairness and transparency,” he said. “The people deserve to know where the money is going. Is it filling the pockets of the energy minister? Or those who are controlling this government?”
His comments come at a time when Sri Lanka is implementing policies in line with International Monetary Fund (IMF) recommendations, which many believe are contributing to the high cost of living. The government has yet to officially respond to the demands for a fuel price reduction, leaving many consumers and union leaders alike questioning whether the promised relief will ever arrive.
Palitha concluded by calling on the government to immediately cut at least Rs. 50 from the price of fuel, as previously suggested by officials. He warned that continued inaction would lead to increased public discontent and industrial action in the coming weeks.
