Could provide concessions to the people by year end: Ruwan

• Says they will have to bear difficulties until such time  

By Yohan Perera  

Economic concessions including reduction of electricity tariff could be a possibility by the end of this year, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene said yesterday. 

Speaking during a public gathering at Colombo Central, Mr. Wijewardene said it will be possible to provide concessions to the people by the end of the year, but they will have to bear difficulties until such time.  

“We are aware that the people are undergoing a difficult time with the electricity tariff hike. Prices of stationery and other items have also gone up. The Cost of living has increased. We are aware of all these. President Ranil Wickremesinghe had to make difficult decisions such as increasing the electricity tariffs. Mr. Wickremesinghe took over the government at a difficult time. No one in the opposition was willing to accept the responsibility when it was offered to them by the former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa,” he said.  

“One has to undergo a lot of pain when a wound is being treated. Likewise, people in this country will have to undergo a difficult time temporarily. It would be possible to reduce the electricity tariff by the end of the year and give more concessions to the people. This would be possible when we get assistance from the IMF and other donors,” he added.