The Government should provide people with relief as the prices of essential goods and medicines have been increased amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) former MP Sunil Handunnetti said.
He was speaking at a press conference at the JVP headquarters yesterday. “Today, the prices of essential food items and all vegetables are increasing daily. Those who have been deprived of their sources of income are facing cost of living issues. A gazette notification was issued on August 19 deciding on the maximum price of medicines. This has led to a price hike of many medicinal drugs. Gazette notifications should be issued so that medicine could be given at a lesser price than the existing price. However, what has happened is the opposite,” the former MP said.
“The Government is acting to please their cronies. What we are saying is that instead of pleasing this mafia, relief should be granted to people. The Government Gazette notifications should be issued on behalf of providing relief to people. When prices are being increased, the Government does not remember the ‘small man.’ We, in the JVP, are urging the Government not to give up their responsibility concerning the people but control the prices of goods and grant relief,” he added.
“The Government is cutting down subsidies and building walking paths near the Parakrama Samudra in Polonnaruwa.
They are going to import double cabs spending more than 1.8 million US Dollars through Cabinet consent. At the same time, they are spending seventy million on renovating the offices of the Board of Investment. Are these essential expenditures? Are they priority requirements of the people of the country?” he questioned.
by Daily News Sri Lanka
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