The issuance of tokens for purchase of fuel from the Nilmini Enterprises filling station at old bridge Moratuwa has commenced from 26 June 2022.
On receiving confirmation of the arrival of a 6600 liter fuel bowser, the customers who have obtained fuel tokens were notified via SMS yesterday (02 July 2022) morning.
Despite the proper procedure in process, a group of individuals, including Three Wheeler drivers, had lined up at the fuel station to purchase fuel without tokens. The Air Force officials who were on security duty at the fuel station repeatedly informed the concerned civilians that they require to obtain fuel tokens to purchase fuel; and that if they do possess the tokens, they should follow the applicable registration process.
The fuel token system has been implemented by the government with the objective of proper management of the available fuel and preventing unfairness in the distribution of fuel amongst the general public. It was observed that certain individuals had attempted to disrupt the opportunity of those who obtained fuel tokens properly, to freely purchase the allotted fuel. Further, an individual under the influence of alcohol, and who did not possess a vehicle nor a fuel token had rallied a group of individuals who did not possess fuel tokens in a manner to disrupt the Air Force personnel on duty. In that instance, an individual had attempted to physically assault an Air Force member and pulled from his weapon pouch while verbally assaulting as well.
Considering the tense situation at the location,
the Air Force deployed more troops, to maintain control over the situation. The Air Force utilized minimum force to subdue the aggressively behaving individual before turning him over to the police. After the tense situation at the filling station was under control, fuel was once again supplied to the customers who had been provided the tokens in accordance with government guidelines.
In the meantime, a person who engaged in this disruptive behaviour at the location posted a video recorded with his mobile phone on social media. This video does not accurately depict the details of the full incident and is posted in an attempt to sabotage public support for the SLAF. However, the customers who bought fuel through the token system appreciated and commended the Air Force on the contribution to ensure the proper application of the fuel token system and preventing any illegal and illicit acts of individuals and groups.
It is hereby re-iterated that the owner of the fuel station has complete authority over the fuel distribution, and the Air Force is only responsible for securing the facility, establishing law and order in the vicinity, and to prevent malicious events. The Air Force does not intend to provide fuel outside of the government’s authorized system, and during this difficult period, the Air Force genuinely seeks for continuous assistance of the general public to ensure that fuel distribution continues fairly without any disruption and maintenance of the goodwill between the security forces and the general public.