<ul><li>Portal crashes as sectors call for higher quotas</li><li>Transport, agriculture and small industries warn of disruptions</li><li>Govt says registration issues have now been resolved</li><li>Quota for buses can be revised based on distance travelled: CPC&nbsp;</li></ul> The Government’s sudden decision to reintroduce the economic crisis-era QR-based fuel rationing system plunged the country into confusion yesterday (15), as the public scrambled to register for the new quotas while long queues began forming once again at filling stations.Thousands rushed to access the online portal to register or update their fuel quota details, but the system soon buckled under the heavy traffic, with the website crashing shortly after the announcement. The malfunction compounded the situation on the ground, where queues continued to grow and early ripple effects began to emerge across several sectors, particularly transportation.Accordingly, weekly fuel quotas have been set at 60 litres for buses, 5 litres for motorcycles, 15 litres for motor cars, 40 litres for vans, 200 litres for motor lorries, 25 litres for land vehicles, 15 litres for three-wheelers and 40 litres for special purpose vehicles.When contacted by The Daily Morning yesterday, President of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association Gemunu Wijeratne said there would be no major issues if the earlier QR ration cards were simply updated and the same quota previously allocated could be obtained again. “So far we have not faced a shortage. But within a few days we might face difficulties if the quota given is insufficient,” he said.Meanwhile, the All Ceylon School Children’s Transport Association raised concerns about the adequacy of the fuel allocations.Speaking to The Daily Morning, association's President Lalith Chandrasiri said the quota allocated for school transport services is not sufficient. Schools are continuing operations as usual for now, he said, adding the available fuel quota would not be enough to transport students. He also noted that communication with authorities had become difficult. “In previous Governments we could reach ministers during such situations. Now they don’t even answer the phones,” he said. Chandrasiri recalled that before the QR system was first introduced during the previous crisis, authorities had consulted transport providers about their actual fuel usage before deciding quotas. “Now a strict quota is issued and we do not even have enough fuel for one day." The three-wheeler sector has also expressed dissatisfaction.President of the All Ceylon Three-Wheeler Drivers' Association Lalith Dharmasekara said the system does not take into account three-wheelers operating as hire vehicles. “Three-wheeler drivers are given a quota of 15 litres per week. A taxi three-wheeler travels more than 100 kilometres a day and needs at least five litres of fuel daily,” he said. He added the Government has not distinguished between private-use three-wheelers and those used for commercial hire.Secretary of the National Joint Three-Wheeler Drivers and Industrial Workers Association Rohana Perera meanwhile requested the Government to increase the quota for three-wheelers to 30 litres per week.A PickMe driver who spoke on condition of anonymity said the quota allocated would be sufficient for personal use but inadequate for ride-hailing services.The ride-hailing company PickMe has also issued a statement requesting that vehicles operating within the app-based transport economy receive higher fuel allocations during the rationing period.The agricultural sector has raised similar concerns.President of the National Agrarian Authority Anuradha Thennakoon warned that the weekly allocation of 25 litres for land vehicles would be insufficient for agricultural operations, especially during the ongoing Maha season harvesting period in the Anuradhapura District. “To harvest a hectare, a harvester requires at least 25 litres of fuel, and a machine harvests about four to five hectares per day. In this situation, a harvester can harvest only one hectare and then has to wait until the next week for the next quota.”The All Ceylon Bakery Owners’ Association also raised concerns about the system.Association's Coordinating Secretary Anil Hettiarachchi said the quota system does not recognise the specific fuel requirements of the bakery industry. “We have not been issued quotas on the basis that we are an industry. So what we are doing is using lorries to purchase fuel and transport it. It is difficult to operate in this manner,” he said.The Government reintroduced the QR-based fuel rationing system yesterday morning to manage fuel consumption amid ongoing economic pressures.Under the system, vehicle owners must register online and obtain a QR code linked to their weekly fuel quota.Current allocations include 60 litres for buses, five litres for motorcycles, 40 litres for vans, 15 litres for cars and 15 litres for three-wheelers.The system was first introduced during the economic crisis in 2022 before being gradually phased out.The Department of Government Information announced that individuals who previously obtained QR codes can update them easily if they continue to use the same vehicle and telephone number.Amid complaints regarding registration difficulties, the Government later announced yesterday evening that the technical issues affecting the QR registration process were resolved.Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation D.J.A.S. De S. Rajakaruna said steps would be taken to revise the fuel quota for buses based on the distance travelled.Until the new mechanism is introduced, buses will receive fuel through depots operated by the Sri Lanka Transport Board.

Fuel QR Return Sparks Chaos

<ul><li>Govt Officers' TU Association calls for hybrid work or more fuel</li></ul> President Anura Kumara Dissanayake directed officials to study the possibility of work-from-home option for certain categories of public servants in view of the Middle East tension-related issues, as the Sri Lanka Government Officers' Trade Union Association (SLGOTUA) suggested the Government should either increase the fuel quota allocated to them or introduce a hybrid work system.President Dissanayake issued these instructions during a discussion with Ministry Secretaries and heads of State institutions yesterday (15) on ensuring the uninterrupted continuation of essential services should the evolving global situation affect Sri Lanka.&nbsp;Particular attention was paid to several key sectors including health, education, industry, agriculture and fisheries. Secretaries of the respective ministries briefed the President on the updated fuel requirements in their sectors.After reviewing the situation, President Dissanayake said that it was needed to further examine the possibility of maintaining essential fuel reserves, particularly for the health sector.The President stressed the Government must prepare in advance for potential developments, noting that it remains difficult to predict how the global situation may unfold.He further directed officials to streamline and formalise the digital QR code system introduced for fuel distribution, and take immediate steps to rectify and update its existing shortcomings.President Dissanayake also instructed authorities to closely monitor emerging developments and remain alert to any new situations that may arise. He said that responses should not be formulated separately for individual sectors, but instead developed through a coordinated national approach that addresses the current challenge in its entirety. Officials were also urged to intervene promptly and act with mutual understanding when responding to emerging issues.Meanwhile, SLGOTUA President Sumith Kodikara, when contacted by The Daily Morning yesterday, said the current fuel allocation for public officers could create practical difficulties. “Most of us use motorcycles and five litres of fuel is not enough for motorcycles. There is an issue there. Many public officers, including Grama Niladharis, are required to travel long distances as part of their duties."&nbsp;He added that there is a system for them to work from office a few days and then work from home the rest of the days, they would be able to manage. "If such a hybrid arrangement is not possible, the Government should consider increasing the fuel quota allocated to public officers. This should be dealt with in a way that does not inconvenience the Government, the people, and us,” he said.Attempts to contact Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government Minister Prof. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna, Deputy subject Minister Prabha Ruwan Senarath, and Ministry Secretary S. Aloka Bandara proved futile.

Fuel Rationing: Govt. mulls WFH option

Government doctors have urged the authorities to urgently resolve fuel and transport difficulties in order to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of medical services and the functioning of the health system.Secretary of the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA), Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa said yesterday (15) that at a time when signs were emerging of a possible fuel and energy crisis due to global geopolitical issues, a sustainable programme should be implemented to ensure the country’s energy security. In doing so, it is also very important to identify priorities and provide practical solutions, he observed.&nbsp;&nbsp;"The fuel crisis that has emerged has created a difficult situation for doctors in obtaining the transport facilities required to report for duty. The fuel quota proposed under the QR system, which came into effect from yesterday is by no means sufficient. The Government should take the necessary steps to present a set of practical solutions, including revising the fuel quota allocated to all health workers, including doctors, to a reasonable level on a priority basis," Dr. Sugathadasa urged.&nbsp;He said that specialist doctors, medical officers and administrative doctors provide treatment services throughout the country at any given time depending on service requirements, and added that doctors utilise their own transport facilities to attend to their routine duties, on-call duties, and emergency duties. “Unlike several other categories in the State service, the Government does not provide official vehicles or fuel allowances to doctors,” he noted.&nbsp;

Fuel, transport issues: Doctors warn of service disruptions 

Certain patients who sought treatment at the District Hospital Godakawela claimed they had faced unpleasant experiences due to the manner in which some medical practitioners and other staff members at the Hospital communicated with them.Speaking to The Daily Morning, one of the patients who had visited the hospital said yesterday (15) that some patients had been subjected to harsh remarks from certain doctors.According to them, patients arriving from surrounding areas such as Pallebedda are frequently questioned about why they came to Godakawela Hospital for treatment when there are hospitals in their own areas. In related posts on social media, some patients also claimed that they had faced body-shaming comments. Patients further alleged that even those attending clinics, including elderly individuals, had been spoken to in a harsh manner. They said that certain doctors and other staff members appeared more concerned about where patients had come from and why they had not gone to the nearest hospital instead of seeking treatment at Godakawela.Taking to social media, one parent recounted taking her child to the hospital with a high fever. She claimed that although the child was running a high temperature, the doctor on duty focused more on questioning why the patient had been brought to Godakawela rather than to the District Hospital in Pallebedda.Patients pointed out that the Godakawela hospital has long served not only residents of the town but also those living in nearby areas. However, they claimed that some medical practitioners appeared eager to transfer patients to other hospitals such as Base Hospital, Kahawatta, District General Hospital in Embilipitiya, and District Hospital Pallebedda, leaving patients inconvenienced.When contacted by The Daily Morning, Sabaragamuwa Provincial Director of Health Services, Dr. Kapila Kannagara said that patients under Sri Lanka’s free healthcare system have the right to seek treatment at any State hospital. He noted that although steps are being taken to strengthen the primary healthcare system, patients are still free to seek treatment from the outpatient department of any hospital in the country. “If patients experience any inconvenience at hospitals, they can always reach out to the relevant authorities.”

Patient Care: Harsh treatment at Godakawela Hospital?

<ul><li>Government expresses concern over civilian casualties and global impact</li></ul>Sri Lanka has expressed deep concern over the rapidly escalating situation in the Middle East and West Asia, warning that the ongoing developments pose a direct threat to civilian populations.In a statement issued yesterday (15), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism stated that the Government was saddened by the tragic loss of civilian life and condemned attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.The statement stressed that the protection of civilians on all sides remains a fundamental obligation under international humanitarian law. “Sri Lanka stands firm in its commitment to the sanctity of human life and the preservation of global peace,” the Ministry stated.&nbsp;The Government noted that it was closely monitoring developments in the region in view of the worsening humanitarian crisis and its potential impact on the global economy and international trade. Sri Lanka also reiterated the importance of respecting the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.As a country committed to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, Sri Lanka called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and return to negotiations to prevent further escalation of the conflict.The Government further urged all concerned parties to engage in meaningful dialogue and take decisive steps to de-escalate tensions, warning that the current situation poses a serious threat to stability, peace, and security in the region and beyond.

Middle East Tensions: SL urges restraint amid escalating crisis

In the wake of controversy following the release of two different sets of auspicious times for the Sinhala-Tamil New Year, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs stated that it plans to convene a meeting today (16) with astrologers from across the country in an effort to arrive at a single auspicious time schedule.When contacted by The Daily Morning yesterday (15), Deputy Minister of Buddha Sasana Cultural Affairs Gamagedara Dissanayake said the ministry was attempting to introduce one set of auspicious times, as the Government does not wish to create unnecessary disputes during a festive season traditionally associated with peace and unity.“We earlier had a committee that provided the auspicious times of the year. However, it was dissolved in 2024. Although we made several attempts to re-establish the committee, we encountered very contradictory views. As a result, we received two different sets of auspicious times, which were released to the public,” he said.Since it has been perceived negatively, Dissanayake said that they were now trying to arrive at a single auspicious time. "If we are still unable to reach a consensus after the meeting, we will consider alternative methods to proceed."Last week, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs released the New Year auspicious times. However, for the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, the Government did not present a single official schedule of auspicious times for the traditional New Year rituals.The move sparked controversy among the public, with many expressing concern about the absence of an official state-endorsed schedule.Astrologers have pointed out that the Department of Cultural Affairs has issued an official auspicious time schedule every year since 1991. They warn that the absence of a single state-approved calendar could lead to confusion among the public during the traditional celebrations.

New year auspicious times row: Ministry calls astrologers over time dispute

<ul><li>Say unnecessary panic among public causes congestion</li></ul>&nbsp;Police officers were deployed near filling stations yesterday (15) to manage traffic congestion following the reintroduction of the QR code system for fuel distribution, the Police said.Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Traffic and Road Safety Range, W.P.J. Senadheera, said the deployment was necessary due to heavy traffic and long queues reported near several filling stations.Speaking to the media, the DIG said that unnecessary panic among the public has contributed to the congestion.He added that police officers were assigned to filling stations across the country to regulate traffic, maintain order, and reduce disruption to other road users.DIG Senadheera stressed that there was no reason for the public to panic, explaining that under the QR code system fuel would be issued according to the quota allocated for each category of vehicle.He said that congestion had largely been caused by attempts by some motorists to stockpile fuel unnecessarily. “Some individuals who require only a small quantity of fuel are attempting to obtain much larger amounts because of fears of a shortage,” he said.

Police deployed near fuel stations

<ul><li>Israel hits Iran with extensive strikes</li></ul>Israel’s military yesterday (15) said that Iran launched another round of missiles toward Israel. Sirens sounded in Tel Aviv and loud booms were heard.Lebanese militant group Hezbollah meanwhile said it was involved in “direct clashes” with Israeli forces in the southern Lebanese town of Khiam late on Saturday, involving “light and medium weapons as well as rocket-propelled projectiles.”Lebanon is working to form a delegation to negotiate with Israel in a bid to stop the war with Iran-backed Hezbollah, an official said, though Israel has not committed to the initiative.“Negotiations are on the table and preparations are underway to form a delegation, but… neither the timing nor the location has been determined, with Paris and Cyprus being considered,” the official said.Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said his country feared Israel was “moving toward a new genocide under the pretext of fighting Hezbollah” in its ongoing assault on Lebanon.Lebanon’s health ministry said Israeli strikes had killed 826 people, including 65 women and 106 children, since the start of the latest war with Hezbollah, adding that 2,009 others had been wounded.Israel said it launched another "wide-scale" wave of strikes on targets in western Iran, as Iran also fires more missiles. "At this pace we will end up with a ruined Iran," one man in Tehran told the BBC.&nbsp;Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump says Iran wants to make a deal to end the war, but the terms are not good enough yet.&nbsp;Agencies

16th day of M-East war: Iran launches missile barrage on Tel Aviv

<ul><li>PAFFREL–March 12 Movement review says strong policy framework in place but gaps remain between promises and outcomes</li></ul> Sri Lanka’s Government has made notable progress in establishing the policy and institutional framework needed to implement its election manifesto, but the translation of those commitments into tangible results remains uneven, a new monitoring report states.The report, released on 12 March by the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) and the March 12 Movement, reviews the administration’s performance during its first year in office, assessing how Cabinet decisions, parliamentary actions and budgetary allocations align with the Government’s National Policy Framework.According to the report, one of the Government’s most significant achievements has been the formal adoption of its election manifesto as the National Policy Framework guiding State policy and programmes.Under this approach, all ministries are required to prepare action plans based on manifesto commitments and report progress quarterly through a newly introduced Performance Monitoring System.The Government has also introduced a Results-Based Management (RBM) approach to strengthen accountability in the public sector. In addition, a Public Investment Monitoring and Evaluation Committee has been established to oversee and accelerate major development projects.Researchers further noted that the 2025 National Budget was structured around manifesto priorities, translating 1,333 election commitments into 1,474 ministerial activities.However, the report points out that 81.5% of the national budget is allocated to recurrent expenditure, limiting the fiscal space available for development programmes and new policy initiatives.Several manifesto pledges have been fully or substantially implemented during the Government’s first year, the report notes.These include reforms aimed at reducing political privileges, such as the abolition of the pension granted to Members of Parliament after five years of service and limiting the number of official presidential residences to one.In the social welfare sector, financial assistance for low-income families has continued under the Aswesuma programme, alongside increased allowances for elderly citizens and persons with disabilities.The 2025 Budget also allocated Rs. 1,440 million to address period poverty, including the distribution of sanitary napkins to schoolgirls.Legal and institutional reforms highlighted in the report include measures to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms, improve data protection and introduce changes aimed at reducing delays in the criminal justice system.Labour sector reforms were also noted, including the introduction of a national minimum wage framework and an agreement to increase daily wages for plantation workers.Despite these measures, the report states that several key manifesto pledges remain either partially implemented or pending.Although the Government pledged to limit the Cabinet to 25 ministers and deputy ministers, the number of Deputy Ministers has risen to 32, effectively breaching that commitment.Similarly, the promised increase of the income tax threshold to Rs. 2.4 million annually was only partially realised, with the threshold ultimately set at Rs. 1.8 million.The proposed 5% higher interest rate for senior citizens’ fixed deposits was also implemented at only 3%, falling short of the pledge.Another major campaign promise, the abolition of the Executive Presidency, has yet to see concrete action, with no formal timeline announced.The report also notes that the Government’s pledge to reduce electricity costs has not materialised, with tariffs increasing by around 15% in June 2025.Researchers attribute part of the uneven progress to external pressures. Sri Lanka continues to face severe fiscal constraints, with Rs. 1.6 trillion allocated for debt servicing in 2025 alone, limiting the Government’s financial flexibility.In addition, Cyclone Ditwah forced authorities to divert attention and resources towards emergency response efforts and a Rs. 500 billion recovery programme.Despite these challenges, the report emphasises that independent monitoring of manifesto commitments remains vital for democratic accountability, enabling the public to assess whether election promises are being translated into policy action.

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