Government Will Take Every Possible Step to Ease Public Hardship, Says Justice Minister

COLOMBO (News 1st) The government will take every possible step to ensure the convenience and well-being of the public, Justice Minister Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara said, as Sri Lanka continues to respond to the impact of the Middle East crisis and related fuel management measures, including the introduction of the Fuel Pass.

Addressing questions raised by the opposition over the unfolding situation in the Middle East, the minister said policymakers must act with responsibility and care, rather than panic or make impulsive decisions.

“We know that some people are saying, because of the war in Iran, prepare like this and prepare like that,” Nanayakkara said. “But as policymakers, we cannot run around like a headless chicken. Decisions must be taken seriously and responsibly.”

He criticised the way previous administrations had handled national crises, saying they relied on irrational and ineffective responses. He said the opposition now expected the current government to behave in the same manner, an approach he firmly rejected.

“That is not going to happen,” the minister told Parliament. He said the government has already appointed three sub-committees to closely monitor the situation, focusing on energy, the transportation of essential food items, and the broader issues faced by the public. Overall, he said, four sub-committees are actively working to address public concerns.

Nanayakkara also reflected on the government’s conduct when it was in opposition, saying that during the COVID-19 crisis, it had acted responsibly by contributing constructively to solutions while criticising government failures where necessary.

He accused the current opposition of spreading falsehoods in a bid to come to power by any means, warning the public against such tactics.

The minister stressed that the government remains committed to monitoring developments closely and implementing necessary measures to protect the public from the wider impacts of the regional crisis.