Relief to all sectors affected by fuel hike

*Subsidies to be introduced

*People to enjoy long term benefits

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The government said yesterday that it is ready to provide relief measures to all sectors that would be affected by the recent fuel hike.

The government yesterday announced unprecedented relief measures for many sectors including school vans and three wheelers carrying passengers, to offset the effects of the fuel hike.

According to Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) General Secretary and Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena, school van owners will receive a subsidy of Rs.10 per litre while three wheelers will receive a subsidy of Rs.10, up to three liters for 25 days per month.

He said a coupon will be introduced for Samurdhi beneficiaries to obtain a kerosene subsidy from next week and all these families will receive a coupon worth Rs. 200. “Other sectors in society who want to have a fuel subsidy should make their requests through the Divisional Secretaries and will receive the subsidy after receiving approval from Grama Niladaries and other officers,” the minister said.

Minister Sirisena said only registered three wheelers will qualify for the subsidy. He said these three -wheel owners should seek the subsidy from the respective Divisional Secretaries.

“With the end of terrorism, Sri Lanka is on the path to development with a eight percent economic growth rate. The international community has also accepted the fact that Sri Lanka is no longer a poor country, he said. The minister added that Sri Lanka does not receive donations which are normally given to developing countries.

Unemployment in the country has also reduced. The minister said that the government can not provide relief to all people. He said the government led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa always lays special emphasis on the people at grass- root level and every assistance would be given to them. Minister Sirisena stated that this is a temporary situation and prices of oil would be reduced when global oil prices decline. The government is compelled to take unpopular decisions for the long term benefits of the people and the country,he further added.