Minister Udaya Gammanpila said SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam had "attacked" the President and the Prime Minister over the fuel price hike announced by the government yesterday.

"He issued a statement yesterday demanding my resignation. But, the decision to increase prices were made with the consent of the President and the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister's representatives were present when the Cost of Living Committee approved the final price increase. I. as the Minister, only announced it," the Minister said.

"When the SLPP General Secretary asked me to resign, he launched an attack on both the President and the Prime Minister," Gammanpila added.

He said the SLPP General Secretary's actions had inconvenienced the government and it must be investigated whther he was being controlled by a "hidden hand".