News

Minister warns that forex shortage will continue to restrict fuel imports

Published

3 years ago

2022/07/26

By Ratindra Kuruwita and Ifham Nizam

Forex issues would lead to restricting of fuel imports in the next 12 months, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera yesterday warned.

He told journalists that the QR system had been introduced since the daily fuel demand could not be met. He said that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation had never distributed fuel daily to every single fuel station.

“Practically, not possible even when stocks are unlimited,” he stressed.

The National Fuel Pass will be implemented countrywide from today (26th July) in multiple locations at CEYPETCO and LIOC filling stations.

“The rationing system, based on the last digits of vehicle number plates, would be effective until 01 August. Stations not equipped or having technical difficulties will follow the last digit and fuel quota allocation until the technical issues are rectified to introduce the QR code. Sixty percent of the locations were ready to implement the new system and will be given priority in fuel distribution.” The Minister also requested all fuel stations under CEYPETCO and LIOC to adopt the system immediately and distribution would be strictly enforced at fuel stations with the QR facilities by 01 August. “We request the public to register with National Fuel Pass and Support initiative,” he said.

The Minister added that options would be given to users to register multiple vehicles under their business registration by the end of the week and in state institutions to register. Divisional Secretaries would be given access to the platform to register generators, gardening equipment, etc., that require fuel.

The Police and Divisional Secretaries will be empowered to register three-wheelers with fuel stations. The Ministry of Transport will be empowered to register private buses with SLTB depots or fuel stations.

Other services such as Health, Agriculture, Fisheries, Tourism, Industries and service providing sectors will be given access to the system to register their requirements and allocation of vehicles at fuel stations. From 01 August only the QR system quota will be in place and the last digit of the number plate system and other allocations will be invalid.

National Youth Corp & National Youth Council members and volunteers will be deployed to assist in the implementation of the programme during the next 10 days.

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Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala, Hambantota, Jaffna, Mullaittivu, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya and Kurunegala districts

Published

15 hours ago

2025/04/27

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 26 April 2025, valid for 27 April 2025.

The public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala, Hambantota, Jaffna, Mullaittivu, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya and Kurunegala districts.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED

Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated. Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.

Latest News

Minister of Foreign Affairs pays his last respects to Pope Francis

Published

15 hours ago

2025/04/27

Priyan

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath represented Sri Lanka at the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday [26]

News

RW to visit CIABOC on Monday

Published

16 hours ago

2025/04/27

Thilina Walpola

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe will appear before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption (CIABOC) tomorrow (28) over the statement he had made on MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake, his lawyers have informed the Commission.

Accordingly, the former President will appear before the commission at 9.30am on Monday.

Wickremesinghe was initially summoned by the Commission to CIABOC on April 17 in relation to a statement he had made about the corruption case filed against NDF (gas cylinder) MP Dassanayake.

In response to the previous summons, Wickremesinghe had indicated that he is prepared to appear before the commission but requested a different date citing that his lawyers will not be available in Colombo during the New Year holiday period.

Accordingly, a new was provided and Wickremesinghe requested to appear before the commission at 09.30 a.m. on Thursday (April 25).On April 7, Wickremesinghe had said that MP Dassanayake withdrew the fixed deposits belonging to the Uva Provincial Council, over which he is now facing corruption charges, in accordance with a circular issued during Wickremesingher’s tenure as Prime Minister.

The former President questioned whether the MP’s arrest over the matter was in response to Dassanayake’s vocal criticism of the government in parliament.

The sitting MP is currently in remand custody for allegedly misappropriating a sum of Rs. 1 million of the Uva Provincial Council in 2016.

He was taken into custody on March 27, over three separate corruption-related cases.

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court previously granted bail in the cases filed against him but he remains in remand custody due to an order issued by the Badulla Magistrate’s Court.

According to the CIABOC, Dassanayake had solicited funds from three state banks, claiming they were intended to provide bags for preschool children in the province.

Two banks complied, granting him Rs. 1 million and Rs. 2.5 million, which were later transferred to his foundation account.

However, when a third bank refused to provide funds, Dassanayake reportedly retaliated by withdrawing the Uva Provincial Council’s fixed deposits from that institution.The CIABOC filed a case against the MP, citing the government incurred a financial loss of Rs. 17.3 million due to his actions.