Minister Mahinda Amaraweera says they have reports that politically connected persons and underworld figures are involved in creating unrest adjacent to filling stations and at fuel queues.
Speaking during the weekly Cabinet media briefing in Colombo this morning Minister Amaraweera said mobs are focused on creating unrest under the pretext of waiting to purchase fuel at filling stations.
He said when Police and security personnel are deployed to deescalate such unrest and arrest mobs, certain individuals have been exploiting the situation to instigate violence.
Minister Amaraweera said Police personnel are also Sri Lankans who are trying to support the people who are enduring hardships.
Minister Bandula Gunawardana meanwhile said the country cannot expect the severe energy crisis to be resolved overnight.
The Minister said due to the foreign exchange shortage, they are unable to import adequate fuel.
He said the annual revenue through exports of gems, limonite, titanium and other minerals last year was mere USD 44 million.
Minister Gunawardana said however to bring down one fuel shipment, the government requires USD 52 million.
Minister Bandula Gunawardana said therefore the public should be mindful of the crisis at hand.
He said he expects the people to be tolerant until the government addresses the immediate issues faced by the country.
