June 12, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s ruling party, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has demanded the resignation of the Minister in charge of the subject, who has taken a decision to raise fuel prices causing inconvenience to the people amidst a pandemic.

The statement issued by the General Secretary of the SLPP, MP Sagara Kariyawasam stated that the people who have been severely affected by the coronavirus menace do not approve further harassment by the government raising fuel prices.

“The SLPP’s attention was drawn towards pushing the government to a position to increase fuel prices with no alternative, at a time when the people are already facing difficulties,” said the SLPP General Secretary in a statement.

It added that the subject minister had moved the government to a difficult position by not taking the necessary decisions, at a time when it was understood that such a situation would arise.

The SLPP said as the subject minister is directly responsible for this, he should accept the full responsibility for the situation and resign from the post.

The gazette notification raising the fuel prices was issued Friday (June 11) by the Minister of Energy, Udaya Gammanpila.

Following is the statement issued by the SLPP: