Just two days before the final day of nominations, the Internal Trade ministry has reduced the price of a 12.5kg domestic has cylinder by. Rs. 250.

This move comes a day after the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation reduced prices of Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene.

With this reduction, the new price of a gas cylinder will stand at Rs. 1896.

The opposition dubbed this move as a desperate attempt to draw the support of the public before the presidential election.

The government has still not explained as to why price reductions have been announced with immediate effect. However, when the price reductions were announced just weeks before the Uva Provincial Council election a few months ago, the government said it was not directed at the election.