Sajith says electricity tariff hikes ‘exorbitant’

Wednesday, 24 August 2022 00:20 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Assures the Opposition will work to protect consumer rights
Accuses Govt. of using PTA to violate fundamental rights of citizens

SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa

Samagi Jana Balawegaya Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday said the Opposition will voice its dissent in Parliament against the recent ‘exorbitant’ electricity tariff increase. He said the people are already

facing many challenges in their day-to-day lives due to increasing costs and therefore the Opposition will come forward in Parliament against this development as a people’s Opposition.

Premadasa made these comments during a special meeting with the Electricity Consumers’ Association held yesterday.

The Leader of the Opposition also said that they, as a responsible Opposition, will appear for protecting the rights of consumers as well as the right to life of the general public in this country.

Premadasa said today that protestors who took to the roads and who were engaged in a citizen’s struggle are being labelled as terrorists by the Government.

However, he noted that despite the Constitution recognising the rights of citizens to represent their views and beliefs while engaging in peaceful protests, the Government is now taking many drastic measures that are putting the lives of people in danger.

He also pointed out that Sri Lanka is at risk of losing support and aid from the international community and organisations as a result of these actions. “This will only further pressurise the people,” he said.

The Opposition Leader also said that the Government is now using provisions in the Prevention of Terrorism Act to violate the fundamental rights of the country’s citizens.