Fuel supply declared essential service: Tri-Forces moves in

The Government has declared the supply and distribution of fuel, including petroleum products and gas as an essential service via a special gazette notification. issued last night.

Accordingly, the Government Information Department announced that all Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) workers must report to work with immediate effect and those who fail to do so will be considered as having vacated their posts. 

A collective of CPC trade unions have been engaged in a continuous strike over several demands, including the proposed deal over the Hambantota Port. 

Meanwhile, the tri-forces and police personnel entered the Kolonnawa and Muthurajawela fuel distribution terminals this morning to ensure security in the distribution of fuel. They were met with furious protests by striking CPC workers. However, the army later said it had taken control of the terminals. 

About 400 army personnel are currently reported to be at the Kolonnawa terminal alone. 

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