Sarvajana Balaya Representatives Criticise Fuel Price Increases and Proposed PSDA Bill

Representatives of Sarvajana Balaya have criticised the government's fuel pricing policies and the proposed Public Security-related legislation, alleging financial mismanagement and attempts to suppress political opponents.

Speaking at a media briefing, Sarvajana Balaya Matugama Organiser, Attorney-at-Law Madushan Siriwardena, and Attorney-at-Law Nalin Pathirana raised concerns over the increase in fuel prices and the government's proposed legislation.

Addressing the fuel price issue, they claimed that petrol prices had increased by Rs. 217 compared to the price prevailing when the government assumed office.

They also alleged that financial irregularities amounting to Rs. 44.5 billion had taken place under the current administration, claiming that the public was bearing the consequences of the government's lack of knowledge and poor decision-making.

The speakers also questioned the need for the proposed PSDA Bill, claiming that the public had not called for such legislation.

They further pointed out that although the government had previously indicated that it would abolish the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), the introduction of new legislation had raised concerns about the continued use of laws to restrict political opposition.

They alleged that such legislation could be used as a tool to suppress political opponents.