15 bowsers filled with fuel leave Kolonnawa

Fifteen fuel bowsers have already been dispatched from the Kolonnawa fuel distribution terminal with the intervention of the security forces, Military Spokesman Brigadier Roshan Seneviratne said.

Other fuel bowsers were in the process of being filled, the Brigadier added. Bowsers were also being readied at the Muthurajawela terminal. 

All bowsers leaving the terminals will be provided with security, he assured. 

Meanwhile, a train filled with jet fuel has also been dispatched to the Katunayake airport while another is in the process of being filled, it was further stated. 

Brigadier Seneviratne said security forces had taken control of the entire area of the Kolonnawa and Muthurajawela terminals as well as the Colombo Harbor jetty up until the ships bringing fuel. Security forces had also moved into and taken control of regional fuel distribution centers. 

The army hopes to restore normal fuel distribution services within the next 24 hours, the Brigadier stated. 

Meanwhile, at the Cabinet media briefing held earlier today, Co-Cabinet spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said that the Government will distribute fuel island-wide after distribution of fuel has been made essential service. He added the fuel stocks would be released shortly.

"The Government will transport and distribute fuel under army and police protection” he said.

He explained that any trade unionists who obstruct fuel distribution will be punished and considered to have vacated their posts.

"We can can mange to distribute fuel with help from employees who have not joined the strike,” he said.

He added that a country can’t be run by a trade union. The Cabinet is there for the people, he stressed. 

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