MoD firm on ration cuts

[TamilNet, Friday, 28 August 1998, 10:27 GMT]
The Sri Lankan Defence ministry has ordered the Government Agents (senior civil servants) of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya districts not to distribute the rations that are yet to be delivered for the current period and next month's quota as well, said sources.

The GAs have been told that the Sri Lankan government's cut in aid to displaced refugees should continue to be implemented.

Furthermore, kerosene oil usage is also to be curtailed, in addition to the existing restrictions on petrol and deasel, in Vavuniya district, said sources.

The decision was taken at a top-level meeting held in the Sri Lankan Defence Ministry, they said.

According to this new stipulation, the Vavuniya GA will have to issue special permits for kerosene oil distribution, as well as for other fuels.

Meanwhile PLOTE sources said that wide spreads demonstration could be expected if restrictions on fuel oils in Vavuniya are not lifted by August 31.

PLOTE sources said that the five-day strike in protest against fuel rationing by Vavuniya residents last week was a complete success, despite intervention by Sri Lankan troops attempting to force shops to stay open forcibly.

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