Gas Shortages Could Lead to a Crisis; Battali Sambikk

25-Feb-2026

.

The government has assigned responsibility for gas supply to a British company. Price controls were introduced to ensure affordable gas procurement. However, technical issues in gas distribution have caused current supply disruptions.

Battali Sambikk Ranawaka, leader of the United Republican Front and former parliamentarian, warned that the government must resolve these issues immediately, or the country could face a crisis similar to that under former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. He made these remarks during a press conference at the United Republican Front office in Colombo on February 22.

He added that current cylinder supply disruptions are linked to pricing arrangements made during Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s administration, and the government’s failure to address these technical issues could lead to repeat crises. 

Sambikk also criticized the government for allegedly favoring religions other than Buddhism, citing cases of unequal law enforcement against Buddhist institutions compared to other religious communities.