Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila informed the Cabinet that difficulties in importing fuel had become further compounded with the depleting dollar reserves and the inability to open letters of credit (LCs). He said $ 420 million was required to import fuel for the month of December resulting in the need for opening LCs weekly. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) had meanwhile informed the Energy Ministry last month that the CBSL was unable to continue releasing funds from its reserves for fuel imports.
Gammanpila cautioned the Cabinet that a disruption to fuel supplies would bring the country to a standstill, with a total disruption in the power supply as well.
Trade Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardana also weighed in saying he was facing difficulties in getting food items due to the dollar crisis. “Dhal, potatoes, and other food items are all in short supply as imports are hindered,” he said.
Gammanpila quipped in, saying that people could find other alternatives for certain food items, but without fuel, the economic impact would be far reaching.
The Morning
Gammanpila cautioned the Cabinet that a disruption to fuel supplies would bring the country to a standstill, with a total disruption in the power supply as well.
Trade Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardana also weighed in saying he was facing difficulties in getting food items due to the dollar crisis. “Dhal, potatoes, and other food items are all in short supply as imports are hindered,” he said.
Gammanpila quipped in, saying that people could find other alternatives for certain food items, but without fuel, the economic impact would be far reaching.
The Morning
