2026-02-19 / Debate: Judicature (Amendment) Bill and Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading
Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe
2026-02-19
Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe addressed concerns about a gas shortage, asserting that no actual shortage exists and attributing consumer difficulties primarily to LAUGFS cylinder users. He stated that LAUGFS had been directed to cease misleading consumers and resume distribution immediately, and accused certain parties of fabricating a shortage narrative to create public panic. The Minister offered to provide nationwide distribution data and announced that daily distribution records of gas companies would be published, pledging that the government would not permit a shortage to develop.
Hon. Leader of the Opposition, there is no shortage of gas. Litro has explained this to the country. We have told LAUGFS not to mislead consumers and to resume distribution immediately. Those using the yellow cylinder (LAUGFS) are mainly facing issues, and we have sought solutions.
Some are creating news of a sudden shortage to cause panic. If you need the nationwide distribution list, I can provide it. We will publish the companies’ daily distribution records. We will not allow a shortage to occur.