Not Essential? Multiple state services affected

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Department of Meteorology says that its activities have been severely hampered due to the shortage of fuel as it has not been declared as an essential service.

A senior Spokesperson said that in the face of this situation, it is not possible to give advance warning of a tsunami or other strong weather changes which may occur in the country in the future, and that the department cannot accept any responsibility if there is any loss of life.

The Secretary to the Ministry of Defense has directed a letter to the Army Commander to provide fuel for two vehicles belonging to the Meteorology Department, which is on duty around the clock, however, so far no proper response has been received, the Department of Meteorology stated.

The Spokesperson said that due to the lack of fuel, the functions at regional offices of the Meteorological Department, which should operate 24 hours a day, are completely disrupted.

In the meantime, the forest conservation department officers say that their work has been severely hampered by not declaring them as an essential service, especially the removal of wild elephants from the villages.

Meanwhile, the engineers union of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board has also directed a letter to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa regarding the non-inclusion of the services of the NWS&DB in the list of essential services for provision of fuel.

It states that the association believes that it is essential to maintain a continuous water supply in the current crisis situation.