“Gas prices also rising, where’s the economic revival?”

Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa found fault with government for increasing water tariff and said that it was an “oppressive and arbitrary act.”Speaking to the media on Thursday at the Opposition Leader’s office in Colombo, Premadasa said that water bill has been increased by 50 percent.

“It is an arbitrary act. It further oppresses the crisis hit people. How the collapsed economy of this country can be recovered by placing the burden on the people,” he queried.

“Despite its claim to revive the country in crisis, the Government has taken the decision to increase the water tariff, imposing a substantial hike ranging from 23% to 50% for consumers across different levels.”

Premadasa accused the Government of perpetuating a lie by claiming that the country is now stable and all issues have been resolved. “However, now suddenly they have increased the tariffs from 23% – 50%. How does the Government expect to rebuild the country by burdening the common man? There are reports of an impending LP gas price hike. How can people live in such circumstances,” he asked.

The Opposition Leader said here that the people will suffer more after the gas price increases soon, the Government has no feeling for the people and the Government has even violated the people’s right to live.