Hostile elements resort to petty political gains

Suraj A Bandara

Hostile elements with the support of Opposition political parties are attempting to increase the oil price before March 17 for petty political gains, Petroleum Industries Minister Susil Premajayantha said.

"No discussions have been made so far on the possible increase of oil prices although the price of a crude oil barrel has increased in the World Market considerably, he said.

The Minister pointed out that the Opposition parties are claiming that the Government is planning to revise oil prices and are attempting to privatize the Petroleum Cooperation. These are fabricated and baseless claims, he said. These false propaganda was initiated by the Opposition parties due to their lack of slogans to challenge the Government, he said.

But Government's swift action by offering a 10 percent tax immunity to obviate the possible price increase defeated this campaign by the Opposition.

He said during the UNP tenure then Minister Karu Jayasooriya attempted to privatize the Petroleum Corporation for a song.

He said Sri Lanka has no control over the oil price. The price is decided on demand and supply fluctuations in the World Market. The situation in Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Yeman and Suez canal directly influences the oil price.