Trade Union Leader Anandha Palitha Criticises Fuel Price Increase

Convener of the United Trade Union Force of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, Anandha Palitha, has criticised the latest increase in fuel prices, claiming that the increase was unjustified and had been imposed at a time when it should not have been implemented.

Speaking to the media, Palitha said people woke up this morning to find that fuel prices had been increased.

He alleged that the government had previously promised to provide fuel at reduced prices but was now increasing prices while giving what he described as benefits to foreign companies.

Palitha further claimed that existing stocks of fuel had been purchased at earlier prices but that the prices had nevertheless been increased.

He said fuel companies were claiming that they were making losses and that the relevant minister had cited this as a reason for the increase. However, Palitha argued that the price increase should not have been introduced at this time.

He also alleged that the increase had been calculated using what he described as a “fraudulent formula” and claimed that prices had been increased even while the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) was making profits.

Palitha further claimed that international market conditions had been cited to justify increasing the prices of existing fuel stocks.

Commenting on another matter, he alleged that a media colleague had been assaulted yesterday within the premises of the Fort Magistrate’s Court.

He also referred to security concerns surrounding a former President, claiming that there had been an increased risk of shootings, and said that a complaint had been lodged with the police.