Cabinet approves kerosene relief for fisher folk

Cabinet approval had been granted to reduce the selling price of one litre of kerosene by midnight today, Fisheries Minister Wijith Wijayamuni Zoysa said.

He also said that a decision had been taken to grant more relief on other fishery facilities.
Sources said that the fishing kerosene would be of different colour.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror the Minister said at the Cabinet meeting held today headed by President Maithripala Sirisena was the proposal was approved.

“The Cabinet approval was granted to change the dye of the kerosene intended for fishing boats,” he said.

The normal kerosene is dyed with red.

“So, those fishermen could easily identify where to get their subsidised fuel,” he said.

“Discussions were also held to minimise the misuse of kerosene subsidies, a relief is given by the President and to take stern legal actions against those who misused such subsidies,” he said.

Petroleum Resources Minister Arjuna Ranatunga also confirmed the Cabinet decision. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)

Video by Sanjeewa