SJB hands over no-confidence motion against Gammanpila

• Chief Opp. Whip hands over motion signed by 43 SJB MPs to Speaker

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) yesterday handed over a no-confidence motion against Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila citing the recent sharp fuel price hike.

The motion, signed by 43 MPs, was handed over by Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella to Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.

Ten allegations have been levelled at Gammanpila, including failing in his duty of obtaining Cabinet approval for the fuel price hike and failure to pass on the benefit of global oil price reductions to the public last year.

The motion states that while world oil prices have been falling since March last year, fuel prices in the country have remained the same with consumers not given the benefit of falling prices.

It says that the Government had promised not to increase prices for two years after taking office but had reneged on this, while Parliament and the public have been kept in the dark about the status of the Fuel Price Stabilisation Fund which was set up last March.

The SJB said it would seek an early date for the debate on the no-confidence motion, but added that the motion would be withdrawn if the Government reduces fuel prices and restores earlier prices.