Government considers a statement made by MP Kiriella on fuel prices

 Government attention has been directed towards a statement made by Parliamentarian Lakshman Kiriella that says fuel can be given for lower prices. The parliamentarian stated that a UNP regime would have provided a litre of petrol at a price of 72 rupees. Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena pointed out that no media has reported the fact that the government provided fuel for several years incurring heavy losses. The Minister requests the media to report this factor. Kerosene oil and diesel are still sold at losses. The Minister stated that the government gains tax income only from petrol. The Minister was speaking at the cabinet press briefing in Colombo 0nh Thursday.. In reply to a query at the cabinet briefing Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa stated that whatever Indian political parties proposed the Indian government has made no notice in this connection to the Sri Lankan government.

Meanwhile, cabinet has granted approval to impose a special tax of 40 rupees per kilo on imported farm oil used for consumption. This measure enables the regulation of stable coconut oil prices.