The cost of living has risen at an unprecedented rate in Sri Lanka. The poor can’t afford to meet the day to day expenses. As the economic crisis heightens, the people are unable to bear the burden.

Sri Lankan-India oil company has again raised the price of the fuel. The electricity board has increased its charges. Petroleum Corporation considers increasing the fuel prices. Meanwhile, the private bus owners have announced that they propose to increase the bus fares. The question is whether people can bear the burden.

Petroleum Corporation explains that they have been compelled to raise the price following the increase in the fuel prices in the world market. The bus operators explain that they have been compelled to increase the bus fare following the fuel price hike.

The government doesn’t seem to be worried about the burden heaped on the ordinary people by such price increase. What has happened to the assurance given by President Rajapakse during the Presidential polls that he would bring down the cost of living? How long can the government ignore the sufferings of the people.

There is a limit to the patience of the people. The government seems to intensify the war situation in order to divert the attention of the people from the economic crisis.

An English translation of the Editorial in Thinakkural, a Tamil daily, based in Colombo

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