Addressing the public, Minister Jayatissa said the government expects citizens to understand the global-scale crisis affecting energy markets and to contribute individually toward managing the situation. He noted that the ongoing war in the Middle East has created uncertainty in global fuel supplies, making it difficult to predict how long the instability will continue.
According to the minister, the government is therefore planning ahead and implementing precautionary measures to mitigate potential risks. He pointed out that several countries around the world have already taken steps to restrict fuel and energy consumption, and Sri Lanka must adopt similar strategies to safeguard its supply.
However Minister Jayatissa stressed that the government has carefully designed the QR code system to ensure that the country’s recovering economy is not negatively affected. He said protecting economic continuity remains a key priority for the administration, particularly as continues its efforts to rebuild after a severe economic collapse.
“The government is fully aware that the country is in the process of rebuilding its economy, and therefore every decision must balance consumption control with economic stability,” he said.
In this context, the minister urged citizens to comply with the QR code fuel system introduced to moderate fuel consumption. He assured the public that any technical or operational issues that arise during the implementation phase would be addressed promptly.
Minister Jayatissa emphasized that the main objective of the system is to limit overall fuel consumption to a manageable level. Failure to regulate fuel usage now, he warned, could lead to a far more serious crisis in the future.
Highlighting the broader responsibility of citizens, the cabinet spokesperson said the issue extends beyond individual needs and requires a national mindset that prioritizes the wellbeing of society and the country as a whole.
He also appealed to the public not to create unnecessary queues or panic at fuel stations. Instead, he encouraged people to obtain only the amount of fuel necessary to maintain their normal livelihoods and daily activities.
Minister Jayatissa further advised citizens not to rush to conclusions or act out of fear, suggesting that the public observe the system over the coming days to better understand how fuel allocations will be managed under the newly introduced quantities.
The government believes that with public cooperation, the QR code system will help maintain stable fuel distribution while preventing shortages during a period of global uncertainty.
