By: Isuru Parakrama
April 06, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath has announced that a steady inflow of fuel shipments is expected throughout April, with nine tankers scheduled to reach the island in the coming weeks.
He made the remarks while addressing a commemorative gathering in Matara, marking the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna’s (JVP) “Apreil Viru Samaruma.”
During his speech, the Minister expressed confidence that the country has largely overcome the energy shortages that intensified in the wake of tensions in the Middle East.
According to Herath, the government is now in a position to gradually roll back several emergency measures introduced at the height of the crisis. Among these is the possibility of restoring Wednesdays as a normal working day, reversing the temporary weekly holiday that had been implemented to curb fuel consumption.
He also suggested that the QR-based fuel distribution system, along with the odd-even vehicle registration scheme, may soon be withdrawn if current improvements continue. These systems were initially introduced to manage demand and prevent long queues at filling stations.
Reflecting on the recent past, the Minister acknowledged that the first phase of the crisis had been marked by significant public inconvenience, including extended waiting times for fuel. However, he noted that swift policy responses helped stabilise the situation and restore order.
Herath further explained that earlier supply disruptions were largely due to delays in the arrival of multiple fuel consignments that had been expected simultaneously. With improved coordination and a more predictable delivery schedule now in place, he assured the public that such issues are unlikely to recur.
He added that the government remains cautious but optimistic, stressing that any decision to lift restrictions will depend on maintaining a consistent and adequate fuel supply in the weeks ahead.
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