P’ment declares fuel supply, distribution an essential service

The Government yesterday moved to declare the supply and distribution of fuel, including all petroleum products and gas, an essential service and used the military to man the country’s filling and distribution network. 

Even though chaos followed this decision in Parliament, causing the Speaker to adjourn the House early, the Government was able to rush through and obtain House approval for five orders under the Special Commodity Levy Act, a resolution under the Customs Ordinance and to pass the Nation Building Tax (Amendment) Bill with amendments. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, making a ministerial statement regarding the ongoing strike of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, accused the labour unions of irresponsible action. 

“Even the media has stopped competing with each other. They have joined hands to fight the spread of dengue as the time has come for everyone to play a role in order to fulfil their duty towards the nation. Petroleum unions have begun their strike during such a crucial time. Several important services, including the health service, will come to a standstill if fuel distribution comes to a halt. The transportation of hospital staff, operation of ambulances, diesel power generation for hospitals and the public transport sector will be affected by the strike,” he said.

“The Government is committed towards safeguarding democracy and upholding human rights. We respect the law and the Judiciary. However, the Government is not prepared to surrender to forces that are out to disrupt peace and destroy democratic values.” 

According to the Prime Minister, the Government was left with little option but to launch security forces to protect petroleum terminals and property, which would have been destroyed by the unions. 

“The security forces were involved in safeguarding the fuel storage tanks and the access roads to those locations as soon as the gazette notification to declare fuel distribution an essential service was issued. We have learnt that there was a move to commit serious acts of sabotage within the CPC premises. Despite a few minor incidents distribution has reached normalcy,” assured the Prime Minister. (AH)