'Some MPs asked for hotel accommodation due to fuel shortage' - Speaker

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardean revealed on Thursday (19) that several MPs had requested for hotel accommodation to be made available due to the fuel shortage.

The speaker expressed these comments during the exchanges in parliament over MPs being allowed to pump fuel from the Police Garage in Narahenpita, a matter that led to serious public outcry over the price difference.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said such programs are stand-by agreements and MPs cannot pump fuel using these provisions on non-parliament days.

"A few members wanted them to go back soon. Therefore, they wanted some fuel. Otherwise, they asked me to book a hotel for them to stay here. So this is the position," said the speaker.