The Government will do its best to provide relief despite the coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Minister of Finance Basil Rajapaksa said today.
He said various types of relief are currently being granted, including an allowance of Rs. 5000, adding that the Government will provide relief as best as it can.
Stating that the Lanka Indian Oil Company (LIOC) had increased fuel prices, the Minister said that there is a possibility for a price hike by other entities as well.
The Finance Minister pointed out that the price of fuel is on the rise in the global market as well.
He further said that the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has also had an impact on Sri Lanka, and that the Government is doing its best to provide relief in this situation.
Minister Basil Rajapaksa revealed that the devaluation of the Rupee was done previously as well and the Government had taken measures to prevent it, but it had reached a point where it could not be continued.
“The coronavirus pandemic occurred, there was an increase in fuel prices, and a conflict broke out between Ukraine and Russia. All of these did not occur in Sri Lanka alone. These events have occurred externally. We do not have immense power pertaining to events that occur in the international sphere,” he explained.
Extracted from – newswire