The Government will provide relief to all sectors affected by the recent fuel hike that was made due to soaring world crude oil prices.
The Government has already announced unprecedented relief for many sectors affected by the increase of petrol, diesel and coercion oil prices, including the operators of school vans and three wheelers drivers engaged in passenger transport.
Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena, declared that the owners of school vans will receive a subsidy of Rs. 10 per litre while three-wheelers will also receive a similar subsidy up to three litres up to a maximum of 25 days per month.
All households without electricity and rely on kerosene to illuminate and cooking purposes of households will get a special subsidy. In addition, coupons 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.
The Government is also in the process of formulating a special subsidy scheme for all other sectors in society affected by the recent fuel hike. They should make their requests through their respective Divisional Secretaries. Those eligible will receive the subsidy after receiving approval from Grama Niladaries and other officers, according to the Minister.
However, only registered three-wheelers engaged in transporting passengers will qualify for the subsidy. Such three-wheel owners should also seek the subsidy from their respective Divisional Secretaries.
Minister Sirisena said that the international community has also accepted the fact that Sri Lanka is no longer a poor country and as a result Sri Lanka does not receive donations which are normally granted to developing countries. He added that the Government cannot provide relief to everyone but would always assist poor people against the rising oil prices.
Under the directions of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Government has given special emphasis on the people at grass root level, who would encounter problems due to oil prices. Relief would be granted to all such people in the villages.
However, the Minister pointed out that the increase of oil prices is a temporary situation and prices of oil would be reduced no sooner the global oil prices decline after the winter season in Europe.
He said the Government was compelled to take certain "unpopular decisions" for the long term benefits of the people and the country.
Meanwhile, world crude oil prices rose to a near three-month peak in heavy volume trading after a report showed the US economy in January created jobs at the fastest pace in nine months, fueling hopes of stronger demand in the top petroleum-consuming nation.
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2012/02/19/new19.asp
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