Food Supply Takes Priority as AKD Orders Fuel Conservation Plans

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed all Ministries to implement practical and sustainable fuel conservation plans, with particular emphasis on ensuring the uninterrupted distribution of essential food supplies to the public.

The President stressed that fuel conservation must be carried out through a data-driven process aimed at minimising energy consumption while safeguarding key supply chains. He further directed that a detailed report on fuel conservation measures be submitted at the ministerial level at the earliest.

These instructions were issued during a meeting held yesterday morning (17) at the Presidential Secretariat with the committee appointed to oversee the distribution of essential goods.

The committee was established following discussions held on Monday (16) at the Presidential Secretariat with Ministers and Ministry Secretaries, in line with the President’s directive to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of both state and private supply chains. The objective is to guarantee the continuous availability of essential goods, particularly food items, to the public at fair prices without shortages.

Discussions also focused on the rise in prices of goods in line with increasing fuel costs. Attention was given to implementing measures to ensure that essential food items remain available at fair prices without negatively impacting farmers. Alternative mechanisms for price control were also considered during the meeting.

Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development stated that discussions are ongoing with both state and private sector institutions involved in the distribution of essential food items, including Sathosa and wholesale importers. These discussions are aimed at gathering data on fuel requirements, with a coordinated plan being developed in collaboration with the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation to ensure uninterrupted distribution.

It was also noted that steps are being taken to assess the fuel requirements of the tourism sector while continuing the previously implemented QR system. In addition, a mechanism is being developed to ensure the provision of necessary gas and fuel supplies for hotels.

Fuel supplies are currently being maintained for multi-day fishing vessels and port operations, with attention also being given to issues related to allocation quantities.

The Secretary to the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development stated that, following the President’s instructions issued yesterday, the process of collecting and registering information on industrialists has commenced. A coordinated plan has also been prepared with the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation to ensure the fuel requirements of industrialists are met.

Fuel supplies for agricultural activities are being issued based on recommendations from agricultural research officers. Discussions also explored ways to involve farmers’ organisations to facilitate this process more effectively.

Further discussions were held with the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation regarding fuel supplies for port and airport operations, as well as the development of a coordinated plan to ensure continuity. The provision of necessary facilities for sectors such as the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka and the plantation sector was also addressed.

The Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media stated that health services continue to be maintained as an essential service, with discussions held and data collected to ensure maximum fuel allocation under the prevailing circumstances.

Accordingly, steps are currently underway to maintain regional fuel reserves. Information on fuel requirements for the transportation of medicines and essential food supplies to hospitals has also been provided to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation.

The meeting further addressed measures to ensure the orderly provision of public transportation services and the structured continuation of these operations. Attention was also given to managing the construction sector in a manner that minimises any adverse impact on the national economy.

The President additionally instructed officials to maintain a continuously updated information system and to regularly review data, ensuring timely intervention where necessary to sustain the uninterrupted functioning of the country’s economy and public life under the current conditions.