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ITAK MP Calls for Transparency in Fuel Subsidy Spending

Batticaloa district MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam has questioned the effectiveness of the government's Rs. 41 billion fuel subsidy allocation, urging greater accountability in how public funds are being deployed to ease consumer burden.

LSN Sri Lanka · 7 November 2026

ITAK MP Calls for Transparency in Fuel Subsidy Spending

Rasamanickam raised concerns in Parliament about whether the substantial Treasury allocation for fuel subsidies is delivering meaningful relief to Sri Lankan consumers amid persistent price pressures. The ITAK parliamentarian questioned the efficacy of the Rs. 41 billion subsidy programme, suggesting that the full benefit of the allocation may not be reaching consumers as intended.

The MP's intervention reflects growing scrutiny over government spending on fuel support measures, with questions being raised about whether such allocations represent the most efficient use of limited public resources. Rasamanickam emphasised the need for greater transparency and accountability in how subsidy funds are administered and distributed.

The remarks come as Sri Lanka continues to grapple with inflationary pressures affecting fuel prices and broader cost-of-living concerns. The government has maintained fuel subsidy programmes as a key policy tool to shield consumers from international price volatility, but questions persist over programme effectiveness and targeting mechanisms.

Rasamanickam's parliamentary intervention adds to ongoing debate within the legislature regarding government fiscal priorities and the sustainability of subsidy-based support measures in the current economic environment.