The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition

¶ 01 Hon. Minister, public concern and anxiety over prices did not arise because of statements by different people. There is a genuine global issue: 30 per cent of oil, 30 per cent of fertilizer and a significant share of LPG transit through the Strait of Hormuz. The panic originated from the war situation in the Middle East/West Asia. You said that if I specify, you can answer whether a supplier who failed to honour a term tender was then awarded a spot tender for emergency procurement. I am asking very simply: was any company that breached a term tender—i.e., failed to supply under long-term tender terms—subsequently awarded a spot tender for emergency purchases? Please answer clearly.

¶ 02 Finally, I remind you of the promises made during the Presidential and General Election periods. Your political movement promised to supply fuel to Sri Lankan consumers at landed cost by removing taxes, the Treasury take, and alleged commissions to ministers and officials. Why is that policy not being implemented now, especially when people are under severe pressure? Many countries are cutting fuel taxes at this moment. Why is your Government not at least now implementing that election promise?