Government Will Not Purchase Fuel from Russia: Champika

03-Apr-2026

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Leader of the United Republican Front and former MP Patali Champika Ranawaka stated that the Government will not take any decision that would antagonise US President Donald Trump, and therefore will not purchase fuel from Russia. He warned that the energy sector is likely to face severe crises in the coming period.

He made these remarks at a media briefing held by the joint opposition in Colombo on 1 April.

He further stated that the Sinhala and Tamil New Year will not be favourable for the public. Referring to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, he said fuel prices are being increased, and electricity tariffs have also been raised thereafter.

He alleged that the data submitted by the Ceylon Electricity Board in support of the tariff hike contains inconsistencies, and that these discrepancies were highlighted during the public consultation process conducted by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka.

He claimed that fraud in coal imports and the purchase of substandard coal has led to the need to increase electricity tariffs, and warned that further increases are likely in the future.

He also alleged that the Government is deliberately reducing hydro-power generation and focusing on producing electricity through fuel and coal, and claimed that tenders have been awarded only to parties favourable to the Government. He said this was completely wrong and warned that the energy sector will face a major crisis.