In consultations with the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), Commissioner General of the Department of Agrarian Development, Dhammika Ranatunga yesterday assured that farmers would be provided with 15 litres of fuel per acre for harvesting and 20 litres per acre for ploughing outside recently re-introduced QR code.

The Commissioner General also stated that the necessary legal provisions have been made to allow fuel to be issued in containers such as cans or barrels for the convenience of farmers.

The government brought back QR code that was first introduced in August 2022 to overcome severe shortage of fuel caused by the then economic crisis.

The Commissioner General of Essential Services, Prabath Chandrakeerthi has announced that, after taking into consideration the current fuel situation in Sri Lanka, the  Government has decided to declare Wednesdays of every week as a holiday for government sector employees, all government schools, universities, and courts with effect from March 18, 2026,  until further notice

The holiday will not apply to essential service sectors including Healthcare, Ports, Water Supply and Customs.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that leisure had long been limited to only a privileged segment of society, and that the government’s objective is to create opportunities for all citizens to equally experience and enjoy that leisure.

The Prime Minister made these remarks on  Sunday (15th of March) while opening the multi-purpose development project associated with the Angunakolapelessa Tank, developed under the “Pohosath Gamak” programme of the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment for the public.

In parallel with the multi-purpose development project carried out associating the Angunakolapelessa Leisure Island, a boating facility and the Leisure Island cafeteria were also officially opened.

Addressing the gathering the Prime Minister  stated:

“The multi-purpose development project associated with the Angunakolapelessa Tank has received voluntary support from the community of  more than 700 days.

With the funding from the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, the Angunakolapelessa Pradeshiya Sabha, together with the divisional councils, public safety committees, youth societies, trade associations, and many others in the community, was able to transform this site into a major development project within a remarkably short period of time.

This project serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved when people unite collectively for a noble purpose. Developing a country is not a task that the government alone can accomplish.

When intellectuals, religious leaders, youth, entrepreneurs, and the public come together with strong and responsible leadership, we can build a nation so resilient that no hostile force will be able to weaken it.

People in rural communities who live demanding and hardworking lives also deserve to enjoy. For a long time,  leisure was limited to only a privileged segment of society. As a government committed to fostering a dignified cultural life for all citizens, it is important to create more spaces like this where people can relax, walk, enjoy themselves, and spend time with peace of mind.

The occasion was graced by the presence of the members of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Upali Pannilage, other ministers and parliamentarians, government officials, and local residents.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)