Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera says that Letter of Credit (LCs) for USD 90 million have been opened for a shipment of petrol and diesel.
Speaking during a press briefing in Colombo today (19), he said that the shipment of petrol is expected to reach the island June 23 while the diesel shipment is scheduled to arrive on June 24.
He therefore urged the public not to queue up for fuel in the next three-four days, until the fuel shipments arrive.
Meanwhile the minister requests private bus operators to obtain their fuel requirements from the nearest Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) depots where necessary arrangements have been made.
He therefore urged the private bus operators not to proceed to other filling stations.
He added that school, staff and tourist transport vehicles can also obtain their fuel requirements from the nearest SLTB depots.
Minister Wijesekera said that steps will be taken to issue fuel for essential services from selected filling stations on Friday starting next week.
He said three-wheelers and motorcycles will be issued fuel on dedicated days bases on the last digit on the number plates.
The minister also requested the private sector to encourage employees to work from home due to the prevailing fuel crisis.
“We urge the public to restrict their travel for leisure activities and other non-essential travel. This is something we must do. In the public sector, we have issued a circular to work from home. As the Minister of Energy, I request the private sector to do the same. Direct your officials and employees to work from home if they can. Without calling them for certain meetings in vehicles, if you can do it online. We did it during the Covid-19 pandemic. All those institutions have that facility, have telephone facilities, have computer facilities. We request you to work through those modes.”
The minister added that they looking at providing uninterrupted power supply during the day and that even the Minister of Education has requested to impose power cuts after 1.00 p.m.
Accordingly, he said they are discussing with the Public Utilities Commission on imposing power cuts after 1.00 p.m. from tomorrow.
