The government deliberately delayed the fuel price revision because people would not have attended the National People’s Power May Day rally if fuel prices had been increased before May Day, according to Free Lawyers’ Association Convener and President’s Counsel Maithri Gunaratne.
He made these remarks during a media briefing held in Hatton.
Gunaratne claimed that the fuel price revision, which is usually carried out on the first day of every month, was intentionally postponed until May 2 this year in an effort to mislead the public.
He also alleged that funds earned through coal and container fraud were used to transport people and deploy buses for May Day rallies.
He further stated that the President’s comments made in advance regarding court decisions amount to interference in the independence of the judiciary. According to Gunaratne, judges are fearful of such actions, and he has requested the Judicial Service Commission to step in and safeguard judicial independence.
Gunaratne also alleged that nearly $2.5 million had been stolen from the treasury under the current government, which came to power pledging to eliminate corruption.
Highlighting that the absence of a strong opposition poses a threat to democracy and warning of a risk of elections not being held, he stressed that opposition parties must unite to protect democracy.
