Sri Lanka rations fuel as anti-government protests intensify amid economic crisis
- Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, in charge of importing and distributing fuel, says diesel, petrol supplies are now limited with immediate effect
- Thousands of protesters are still on the streets, demanding resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his brother, the prime minister
Sri Lanka started rationing fuel for vehicles on Friday as shortages were reported throughout the crisis-hit country, with thousands of protesters demonstrating outside the president’s office for the seventh consecutive day.
The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, which is in charge of importing and distributing fuel, said supply of petrol and diesel is being limited with immediate effect. A motorcycle can pump a maximum of four litres and a car 20 litres.
The scarcity of fuel prompted the closure of several gas stations, crippling transport services, while the shortage of diesel to operate electricity generators resulted in prolonged power cuts.
The economic crisis in Sri Lanka has meant a lack of US dollars, which has affected imports. The country will next week seek the help of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) while also looking for financial support from India and China.
The protesters, who number around 5,000, are demanding the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is the president’s brother.
The demonstrators outside the president’s office are mostly young with musicians, religious officials and sports personalities joining in.
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A policeman dressed in uniform who joined the protest was arrested and taken to court on Friday and accused of making statements which incite the public.
But lawyers defending him argued that the officer had the right to express his opinion and the court released him on bail.
Separate protests were continuing in other locations across the country.
