SriLanka, July 20 -- People are being forced to bear the burden of poverty despite the government's vision of creating a wealthy country, United Republic Front (UNF) Leader Patali Champika Ranawaka said.

Addressing the media, Ranawaka urged the government to provide immediate relief by relaxing all taxes imposed on essential commodities, saying the rising cost of living has made life increasingly difficult for the public.

"People are living under extremely difficult conditions. While the government speaks of building a wealthy country, the people are being forced to bear the burden of poverty," he said.

Ranawaka also called on the government to remove the taxes imposed on diesel fuel, arguing that the levy has a direct impact on electr...