Former Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila speaking to a seminar in Colombo yesterday (12) said the whole country may become idle in the future unless the existing fuel stocks are properly managed.
“We have to answer the short-term question of the people who have been waiting in queues for fuel for days first. First we need to get enough fuel to meet the minimum requirement, at least for credit. The second is to use the available fuel sparingly and reduce consumption. To receive aid from India, the leaders should set an example and go for simple vehicles. Our ministers travel in huge fuel-burning cars and jeeps. First, the government should officially ban the use of vehicles above 2000 CC on the road. 40 hours a week are spend for work. May we make it 10 x 4 = 40 instead of 8 x 5 = 40. Make Friday a holiday. Then the cost of fuel will go down. Schools will have to do the same. Come to school one day, and online the next day. If the fuel is not managed the whole country may come to a standstill”
MIAP
