Nuwara Eliya District Member of Parliament V. Radhakrishnan has warned that if the government does not act with a proper understanding of the current global crisis situation regarding essential supplies including fuel and food, public life in Nuwara Eliya will be completely disrupted during the upcoming spring season when tourists visit, and there is also a risk that tourists will not travel to Nuwara Eliya. He made these remarks during a press conference held yesterday (17th) at his office in Nuwara Eliya to comment on the current situation in the country.

Member of Parliament Velayudhan Radhakrishnan said:

“The fuel quotas have dealt a fatal blow to the Nuwara Eliya tourism industry, and if this situation worsens, that sector will collapse, leading to public unrest.”

“As the people of the Nuwara Eliya District are a group who earn their livelihood based on the tourism industry and agriculture, the government should pay more attention to providing the necessary facilities for them to carry out their daily activities. However, the government has not focused on such a programme thus far.”

“In the face of the current war atmosphere in the world, we are always pointing out how the government should face it.”

“Our group of MPs, including Opposition Leader Mr. Sajith Premadasa, is by no means trying to gain political advantage in the face of such a global war situation.”

“What we always point out is the reals situation. Because the government has a large majority, it does not listen to the voice of the opposition. The government does not possess enough wisdom to understand the real situation we are pointing out. If, in some way, they do not heed the voice of the Opposition in the face of this crisis, the country will fall into a great abyss.”

By S.K. Samaranayake

The Navy seized a haul of foreign-origin cannabis weighing approximately 78kg and 300g during a search operation conducted in the seas off Devil’s Point, Kilinochchi on 13 Mar.

The operation was conducted by a team from the Rapid Action Boat Squadron attached to SLNS Buwaneka of the North Central Naval Command.

It is suspected that smugglers, unable to bring the contraband ashore due to heightened naval surveillance, may have abandoned the stock at sea to avoid detection. The estimated street value of the seized narcotics is believed to exceed Rs. 15 million.

The consignment of cannabis was handed over to the Jayapuram police station in Kilinochchi for follow up proceedings.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that, in light of the challenges that have arisen due to the prevailing conflict situation in the Middle East, plans are being implemented to manage energy resources effectively while ensuring the uninterrupted continuation of the country’s economic activities and essential services.

The President made these remarks while participating in a discussion held on Monday (16) afternoon  at the Presidential Secretariat to review the immediate measures required to ensure the country’s energy conservation and maintain the uninterrupted functioning of economic activities and essential services, in view of the current disruptions affecting energy supply.

During the discussion, which was attended by the relevant Ministers and Ministry Secretaries, special attention was focused on the measures required to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of public services in light of the prevailing situation.

Extensive discussions were also held on alternative methods that could be adopted in maintaining the operations of government offices. In this context, attention was drawn to the possibility of limiting energy consumption while continuing essential services by granting a one-day holiday for the public service.

Particular attention was also given to examining alternative measures that could be adopted to ensure the continued provision of services with minimal energy consumption, taking into account the specific nature and practical requirements of sectors such as education, health, tourism, fisheries, industry, agriculture, ports and shipping, airport services and digital services.

The President instructed a committee, comprising Ministry Secretaries and sectoral experts, to submit a report by the end of today to determine the fuel allocation required to maintain services in the key sectors.

In addition, the discussion highlighted the importance of making ministerial-level decisions regarding the practical feasibility of performing official duties from home under such circumstances. It was proposed that decisions on summoning officers to their workplaces be delegated to the heads of institutions and that appropriate methods be adopted to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of services.

In view of the prevailing situation, the President paid special attention to the challenges faced by farmers in the agricultural sector and by small and medium-sized industrialists in the industrial sector.

The President further emphasised that, in the current circumstances, the contribution and commitment of all are essential to minimise the potential impact on the country’s economy, while noting that certain groups may be provided with assistance through relief measures.

It was noted that the introduction of the QR system is intended to manage daily fuel consumption in response to the ongoing challenges. This system will allow for the daily analysis of fuel allocations, emphasising the importance of releasing fuel in a manner that safeguards the country’s energy conservation while supporting economic and service activities.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of using the QR system in an orderly manner during fuel distribution and the need for each Ministry to promptly provide all necessary data to the Ministry of Digital Economy. Accordingly, it was proposed that the relevant Ministries, together with the legally recognised petroleum institutions, work to further streamline the QR system.

In addition, it was proposed to temporarily suspend state celebrations in light of the prevailing situation and to establish a procedure for informing the private sector of any further measures the Government intends to take in this regard.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Professor A.H.M.H. Abeyratne, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Ratnayake, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Governor of the Central Bank Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Senior Advisor to the President on the Digital Economy Hans Wijesuriya, Senior Economic Advisor to the President Duminda Hulangamuwa and a group of officials, including the Secretaries of the relevant Ministries, participated in the discussion.