The majority of Sri Lankan people are not rich. They always expect one thing from any leader and any Government. That is to relieve their economic burden. Offering various types of relief from time to time was not something unusual during the past several decades by various Governments under normal circumstances. But today we speak about something unusual and significant during this tough time.
Last week the Electricity Tariff was reduced for the first time and the price of fuel reduced for the fourth time. The price of Litro Gas will be reduced shortly for the fourth time. In addition Inflation has been reduced to 12 percent and food inflation has been reduced to four percent. The bonus is the price increase of cigarettes by Rs. 25.
The nature of Sri Lankans is remembering and blaming someone or something forever when something goes wrong and forgetting anything within a very short period of time whenever something positive is done. This is the true nature of almost all Sri Lankans, especially those in the mainstream media and those on social media. Nothing or no one can change their nature and this is the reason for writing this editorial today.
The price reduction of electricity is very significant because the entire country will benefit from this step and now all industries and other businesses will start to grow once again without any problem. According to the price reduction of electricity, a family which consumes 90 units per month will receive a price reduction of around Rs. 1,100 which is very significant when comparing with the current price range of goods and services.
The price reduction of fuel will not be highlighted by most sections of the media and social media and they will choose to highlight the Rs. 10 increase of Octane 92 Petrol. This is the usual nature of the Sri Lankan people and the media. They will not remember that the fuel price was reduced significantly last March, April and May while there significant reductions in the price of Octane 95 Petrol by Rs. 20, the price reduction of Auto Diesel by Rs. 2, Super Diesel by Rs. 6 and the price reduction of Kerosene Oil by Rs. 9. The small price increase of Octane 92 Petrol will be highlighted by all main and social media and also promote the three-wheeler mafia at the same time.
The three-wheeler mafia should not be allowed to increase their fare because they started to charge Rs. 800 or 700 to travel five or five and half kilometres since the fuel shortage reported last year and still charging the same amount from innocent poor passengers who are sick, elderly and have various difficulties using public transport. They charge the same amount from any passenger whenever the passenger does not protest. Some female passengers who are scared and have no idea about the relevant charge for a specific distance pay Rs. 800 to travel five kilometres.
If popular taxi services in Sri Lanka such as Uber and Pickme can transport passengers for five or five and half kilometres for just Rs. 375, why cannot the other members of the three-wheeler mafia do so? Why? Therefore, the people should be determined to use those taxi services operated through Apps and hotlines and NOT to use three-wheelers, wait in every single junction and run through roads praying for bets similar to hawks. What people need is a small smart mobile phone and an App downloaded free of charge to save themselves from the three-wheeler mafia which snatch all the money in people’s wallets.
The price reduction of Litro Gas has already been announced for the fourth time and the price of Litro Gas was reduced last May and June. The price will be reduced for the fourth time shortly. The majority of people use Litro Gas to cook and it will be a huge relief for them because now they can cook their food safely for a lower price.
The women folk welcome the price increase of a cigarette by Rs. 25, Beer by Rs. 50 and Liquor by Rs. 300 because no one needs those to live and no one dies without those. It is a well-known fact that around 20,000 Sri Lankans die annually due to smoking and related health issues. The families of fathers who are addicted to liquor and cigarettes suffer from various financial difficulties. Anyone can get rid of his/her addiction with determination and with the assistance of qualified doctors. It is only a matter of his willingness to do so.
According to the latest reports of the Department of Census and Statistics, the Inflation of Colombo urban consumers has dropped to 12 percent this month and the Food Inflation has dropped to four percent.
It is the sole responsibility of the people to be aware of the current affairs of the country and the current affairs are not limited to dirty politics. It is the responsibility of all mainstream media and social media platforms to feed people with the latest and factual information and the information should not be limited to political rubbish. The people of this country have the right to know the price comparisons.
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