June 04, Colombo (LNW): Growing fuel expenses are placing an increasing financial strain on public sector employees, with trade union representatives urging authorities to revise fuel allowances to reflect current market conditions.
Specialist Dr Chamal Sanjeewa, representing the Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights, said many government officials are struggling to meet transport-related costs as existing fuel allowances no longer correspond with prevailing fuel prices.
According to him, the current allowance framework is based on a Ministry of Finance circular that calculated payments using fuel prices in effect on 1 March. However, several upward revisions in fuel prices since then have widened the gap between the allowance received and the actual cost incurred by officials carrying out their duties.
Dr Sanjeewa pointed out that a large number of government employees rely on either their own vehicles or assigned official vehicles to travel extensively for work. These officers often undertake field visits, inspections and administrative duties across multiple districts, resulting in fuel expenses that significantly exceed the amounts currently reimbursed.
He warned that the situation is creating additional financial pressure on public servants already facing a higher cost of living, with some officials reportedly having to absorb a considerable portion of transport expenses from their personal income.
The trade union representative called on the Ministry of Finance to urgently reassess the allowance structure and introduce adjustments that better reflect current fuel prices. He argued that a timely revision would not only ease the burden on affected employees but also help ensure that essential public services are carried out without disruption.
