Fuel concession for three wheelers

Uditha Kumarasinghe and Irnagika Range

The Government yesterday presented a supplementary estimate for Rs. 900 million for parliamentary approval to provide fuel at concessionary rates to three wheeler owners and approved by the Cabine. The supplementary estimate was presented by Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Minister and Chief Government whip Dinesh Gunawardena under the head of Nation Building and Estate Infrastructure Development Ministry.

The Government has already decided to grant relief to three wheeler owners who are engaged in passenger transport from January 2009. A maximum of 75 litres of petrol each per month, at the rate of for litres will be provided to three wheeler operators on a concessionary rate which is less than the market price.

The Government has decided to pay a grant not exceeding a sum of Rs. 1,500 per month through the Samurdhi Bank Societies to three wheeler owners. An urgent need for additional allocation of Rs. 900 million, is required since the allocation in the original estimate of 2009 is not sufficient to grant fuel relief measures. Through this decision, the Government expected a reduction in the transport expenses of the passengers who use three wheelers for their transport.