Govt. backing fossil fuels over renewables: Namal

Colombo, June 25 (Daily Mirror) - Opposition MP Namal Rajapaksa criticised the government for not shifting its stance on rooftop solar power installations, while increasing its reliance on coal, fossil fuels and diesel.

He claimed that with the rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly the Iran-Israel conflict, there is a strong likelihood of global fuel price hikes. However, despite this situation, the government has failed to prioritise renewable energy alternatives.

Speaking to the media, MP Rajapaksa remarked that while former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, despite his shortcomings, had confronted the diesel and coal lobbies, the current administration appears to have aligned itself with these interests.

He further said that rather than focusing on mediating peace between Iran and Israel, a matter beyond its capacity, the government should instead prioritise preparing for how the conflict might impact local fuel prices and the country’s fuel distribution system.

“The government should have contingency plans in place, whether by seeking alternative international markets or managing the domestic impact on fuel prices,” he added.

At present, according to MP Rajapaksa, the government lacks a coherent plan to address these economic challenges. He accused the administration of deflecting blame onto the Opposition and intimidating state officials, creating a climate of fear.

“Frightening the public will not help reduce the cost of living. The government has taken no meaningful steps to ease the financial burden on the people,” he charged.