Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa says that while the government is showcasing its inefficiency and inability to manage, it is the people of this country who are suffering from pressure and hardship.
He noted that struggling farmers have still not received the Rs. 25,000 fertilizer subsidy.
“Only about 40% of the funds allocated for the fertilizer subsidy have been utilized and that the entire Rs. 25,000 subsidy has not been properly received,” Premadasa said during a meeting with the public in the Giribawa area.
Commenting further, he said;
“This is the time for planting rice. Therefore, the fertilizer subsidy needs to be provided urgently. What was promised with beautiful words back then has now become impossible to deliver. There is a significant gap between their promises and actions.
“Although it was stated that electricity bills would be reduced by 33% before the elections, the electricity minister is now proposing to increase it by 37%. When the electricity board said that it cannot reduce the bills for six months, the Public Utilities Commission has proposed a 20% reduction. Despite such circumstances, it is said that reducing the electricity bill requires the approval of the finance ministry.
“By saying one thing during the election and now saying something else, the government has ended up ignoring even the most substantial demands of the people. There is no clear plan from the government regarding the reduction of electricity bills. These people don’t know how to govern for the well-being of the people.
“When the Public Utilities Commission provides recommendations, it is the government’s responsibility to convey that beneficial message to the people. However, the government has failed to do that. Until the government reduces electricity bills by 33%, we will be engaged in a democratic struggle on behalf of the people.”
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