Resign if you can’t provide relief for the public, Sajith tells Govt

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) staged a protest yesterday over the Government’s decision to hike fuel prices. Protestors arrived near the Parliament from the head office of SJB in a procession of various vehicles to mark the objections. Once the procession arrived at the parliament roundabout, the protestors moved forward on foot into the Parliament premises  – Pix by Ruwan Walpola 

By Asiri Fernando

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday (22) called on the Government to resign if they’re unable provide relief for the public.

Premadasa made the comments while leading a procession of vehicles that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) claimed to represent the mobility of the masses, in a protest aimed at the recent fuel price hike. He was joined by other SJB MPs in staging a protest at the entrance to Parliament.

Opposition parties held a series of protests across the country to express their displeasure at the fuel price hike, with the SJB organising protests in Weligama, Yatiyanthota, yesterday and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) staging a protest on Monday 21 June, in Sevenagala. Several fisheries groups and farming collectives also staged protests this week, urging the Government roll back the fuel price hike and reconsider the recent policy change on fertiliser.

“The fuel price hike has hit the public hard. It has left many in dire straits. A Government that can’t make the right decisions at the right time and provide relief for the suffering masses should resign. If you can’t govern, leave,” Premadasa said. He opined that the SJB was ready as an alternative to provide leadership for the country.

The Opposition Leader stated that the public would be able to judge which MPs have the public’s best interest at heart by observing who votes for and against the no-confidence motion the SJB presented against Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila. The no-confidence motion was handed over to the Speaker by SJB MPs last morning.

“The Opposition will stand for the peoples’ rights and not let the lockdown imposed by the Government suppress their voices,” said SJB MP Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka speaking at the protest. 

“The entrepreneurs, the small and medium enterprises who were struggling to get by due to COVID-19 have been dealt a serious blow by the fuel price hike,” SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva added, noting that the increased cost of transporting goods, produce and delivering services will push many SMEs to the brink of bankruptcy.

Issuing a press release, Premadasa stated that the Government’s decision to withhold raising the price of LPG was a win for the public, adding that the Opposition will continue to pressure the Government to secure more relief for the public and local industries.