Former Deputy Leader of the United National Party, MP Ravi Karunanayake, says the burden of Sri Lanka’s economic crisis is being borne by the people rather than the government or the International Monetary Fund.
Speaking to the media, he stressed that it is taxpayers who ultimately carry the cost of running the country, particularly during a crisis beyond Sri Lanka’s control.
Karunanayake said he had urged IMF officials—during recent discussions in Sri Lanka—to avoid decisions that would further increase the financial strain on the public.
He pointed to rising global pressures, including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which have contributed to increased costs that the country cannot directly control.
“When these pressures are passed on, electricity bills go up, fuel prices increase, the cost of living rises, and interest rates climb,” he said.
He questioned why, at a time when relief is needed, measures such as electricity tariff hikes and fuel price adjustments continue to be emphasised.
“What the people need at this time is relief,” Karunanayake said, calling for a more balanced approach that prioritises public welfare amid ongoing economic challenges.
