The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition

¶ 01 Hon. Minister, I have simple, specific questions.

¶ 02 During the presidential and general campaigns, the now-President and the JVP/NPP clearly stated fuel prices would be reduced substantially, citing reasons such as removing the Rs. 50 per liter levy and other taxes, transferring CPC debt to the Treasury and then charging Rs. 50 per liter to service it—calling it “a terrible move.” He promised to remove all such taxes and give fuel at very affordable prices. The people await fulfillment. Why hasn’t this been done? What is the obstacle? Please provide clear answers.

¶ 03 On electricity, the President promised to cut bills by a third—e.g., Rs. 9,000 to Rs. 6,000; Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 2,000; a 33% reduction for all. I acknowledge an approximate 20% reduction, but that came via PUCSL after strong public participation, not as a discretionary government decision. CEB’s profitability was partly returned to consumers. Why has the remaining 13% not been reduced? Earlier you said no reductions for six months and that Treasury and Ministerial approvals were required. When will consumers receive the remaining 13% reduction?

¶ 04 On the recent nationwide blackout: was it due to a monkey, a squirrel, or a failure to adapt the power mix to solar penetration? International media—CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera—headline that a monkey caused our national grid to collapse. Such narratives deter FDI. When crises occur, transparent explanations are essential. Lack of clarity burdens consumers and industry and harms investment at a time we must meet growth and revenue targets to service 2025–2026 debt.

¶ 05 Finally: - When will the campaign promises to remove fuel taxes and reduce fuel prices be implemented? - When will electricity be cut by one-third, or at least the remaining 13%? - Do you endorse the current pricing formulae you criticized on stage? If not, what is the new formula? Or will you keep dancing to the IMF’s tune?