• Only the poor were affected by the economic recession in the past. However it is felt by the rich as well today as there are shortages of essential items 

 By Yohan Perera

Even the rich feel the current economic crisis in addition to the poor, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan  Wijewardene said over the weekend. Speaking during a UNP membership drive programme in Colombo Wijewardene said the rich have begun to feel the shortage of essential items.

“There have been two classes of people in Sri Lanka even in the past. Only the poor were affected by the economic recession in the past. However it is felt by the rich as well today as there are shortages of essential items, ”he said.
“ One does not have to explain the extent of the current economic crisis which the country is facing today. A time has come when fathers commit suicide as they are unable to feed their children.  Prices of fuel have gone up to the highest extent in the history of Sri Lanka. LIOC increased their prices initially and CPC followed through a few days later.  Some politicians started going in bullock carts and even came to Parliament on bicycles when fuel prices were increased by Rs 5 during the previous regime. However the same people who came to Parliament on bicycles  have increased the prices by about Rs 75,” he added.

“ The government is blaming the Russia- Ukraine war for the fuel price hike. The Government failed to give the people the benefit when fuel prices were reduced during the pandemic. Now the devaluation of the rupee has become an issue. In addition foreign remittance has also declined.  The tourism industry is facing a fresh challenge with the gas shortage as cooking in hotels has become an issue. Will tourists arrive in this country  if they don’t get food as a result of gas shortage ?” he questioned.