Supreme Court says fuel distribution can be streamlined further through SLTB

The Supreme Court has pointed out that there is a need to further streamline the fuel distribution through the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB).

The apex court made this observation when two fundamental rights petitions filed by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka were heard yesterday.

In view of the current economic crisis, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) had filed two fundamental rights petitions requesting the apex court to issue an order to the Government to prepare long and short term programs for the continuous provision of services such as fuel, electricity, food, essential materials and medicines to the people.

These petitions were called before the Supreme Court bench comprising justices Vijith Malalgoda and Arjuna Obeysekera.

Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle making submissions before the court, said that many of the suggestions made by the Sri Lanka Bar Association regarding fuel distribution have already been implemented.

He said that an affidavit indicating that has also been filed before the court.

President’s Counsel Udita Igalahewa and Suren Gnanaraj, who appeared for the Bar Association, pointed out to the court that further formalisation of fuel distribution through the Sri Lanka Transport Board is necessary.

The counsels pointed out that the fuel distribution to farmers, industrialists, factories etc. is done through the Sri Lanka Transport Board and if the work is done through a committee consisting of the District Secretary, the work will be more streamlined.

The Supreme Court bench informed the Additional Solicitor General of the Government to pay attention to those matters and ordered the Sri Lanka Bar Association to file an affidavit with the court on the next day containing further proposals to resolve this crisis.

Further consideration of these petitions was adjourned till 31 August.