The Hon. Sajith Premadasa

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, on my second question regarding an impact assessment on low- and middle-income households and small businesses, the Minister said none was done. That shows the Government is increasing tariffs with no concern for ordinary people. While in Opposition you spoke of promoting renewables; today you have become captives of the fossil-fuel and power mafias.

¶ 02 You spoke of cost-reflective tariffs—this was not your election rhetoric. You promised to change the pricing formula and IMF conditions. The President promised to cut a Rs. 9,000 bill to Rs. 6,000 and a Rs. 3,000 bill to Rs. 2,000. Yesterday you raised fuel prices, though you promised port-of-landing prices to consumers after removing commissions and taxes. Now, while global prices fall, you raise domestic prices. It shows you are prisoners of the IMF. You also claimed to act fast due to Cyclone “Ditwah.” Indeed—you moved fast to raise electricity tariffs by 11.57%. The President never promised to reduce tariffs by 33% “over several years”; he said immediately upon coming to power. Why are your election promises not being implemented? I propose you free yourselves from IMF bondage and at least negotiate to adjust conditions in light of “Ditwah,” convene an international donors’ conference, and implement relief. Why haven’t you?