Namal Rajapaksa, MP of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, has called on the government to consider adopting a model similar to India’s recent fuel tax adjustment.
In a post on X, he noted that India reduced its excise duty not to immediately lower fuel prices, but to stabilise the market and prevent further increases during global oil price shocks.
Rajapaksa stressed that as Sri Lanka moves forward, the government must strengthen its economic policies, adding that while fiscal discipline is important, reducing excessive tax burdens could help boost investment, ease pressure on citizens, and support long-term recovery.
He also highlighted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India have once again demonstrated their ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy through the timely shipment of 38,000 metric tonnes of fuel to Sri Lanka.
Rajapaksa further stated that India has consistently acted as Sri Lanka’s first responder in times of crisis, providing critical supplies and economic assistance, and emphasised the importance of regional cooperation and strategic partnerships for mutual progress.
