Categories: Global

Crisis-Hit Sri Lanka Shuts Schools, Urges Work from Home to Save Fuel

Troops in Sri Lanka handed tokens on Monday to people queueing for petrol amid a severe fuel shortage in the nation battling its worst economic crisis in seven decades, while schools shut in Colombo and public employees were asked to work from home.

With its foreign exchange reserves at a record low, the island of 22 million is struggling to pay for essential imports of food, medicine and most critically, fuel.

“I have been in line for four days, I haven’t slept or eaten properly during this time,” said autorickshaw driver W.D. Shelton, 67, one of those who received a token meant to hold his place in the queue for when fuel becomes available.

“We can’t earn, we can’t feed our families,” added Shelton, who was 24th in line at a fuel station in the centre of Colombo, but set to stay there as he had no petrol for the journey to his home just 5 km (3 miles) away.

It was not immediately clear how far the government could stretch its fuel reserves.

The stockpiles stand at about 9,000 tonnes of diesel and 6,000 tonnes of petrol, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said on Sunday, but no fresh shipments are due.

The government has told employees to work from home until further notice, while schools have been shut for a week in the commercial capital of Colombo and surrounding areas.

Fuel station queues have grown rapidly since last week.

“This is a tragedy, we don’t know where this will end,” Shelton said.

Public transport, power generation and medical services will get priority in fuel distribution, with some rationed to ports and airports.

A team from the International Monetary Fund is visiting Sri Lanka to hold talks on a $3-billion bailout package.

Although the Indian Ocean nation is hoping to reach a staff-level agreement before the visit ends on Thursday, that is unlikely to unlock any immediate funds.

Reuters

Follow us on:

AriseNews

Recent Posts

Search for Missing Persons Continues After Deadly Valencia Floods

Barcelona faces severe flooding as search and rescue efforts continue.

2 mins ago

Peter Obi Says He Will Turn Night Vigils To Night Shifts + Minors Face Death Sentence – Trending With Ojy Okpe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8c8PG-x1gg The music producer and composer, Quincy Jones, who worked with Music Legends, including, the…

6 mins ago

Prince William Arrives In South Africa For Earthshot Prize And Wildlife Summit

Prince William visits South Africa for Earthshot Prize, aiming to spotlight climate innovation and support…

37 mins ago

Chad’s President Threatens To Exit Regional Security Force, Citing Ineffectiveness Against Insurgents

Chad's President is considering exiting MNJTF, a regional security force, citing lack of cooperation against…

45 mins ago

Abuja Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Dana Air MD Hathiramani Ranesh over Absence at Fraud Trial

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the arrest of Dana Air MD Hathiramani…

50 mins ago

Equatorial Guinea Anti-Graft Chief Embroiled in Major Sex Scandal, Over 400 Tapes Found Involving Top Officials’ Families

A High-ranking Equatorial Guinean official is facing a major sex scandal with 400 explicit sex…

55 mins ago