Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya has issued directives to all Senior Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs) across the country to deploy police officers as necessary to ensure the security of fuel stations island-wide.
This directive follows a formal request made by the Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, Professor Udayanga Hemapala, who raised concerns over emerging tensions at fuel stations throughout Sri Lanka.
In his letter to the Acting IGP, Professor Hemapala highlighted that a problematic situation has arisen, noting that the public has been instructed not to fill barrels and cans with fuel. He further warned that non-compliance and mounting tensions could threaten public order.
In response, the Acting IGP has instructed all Senior DIGs to take immediate action and to assign at least one police officer to every fuel station across the country. These Senior DIGs have, in turn, directed their respective divisional officers to implement the necessary security measures without delay.
Sri Lanka is home to approximately 1,300 fuel stations, which will now be monitored under the new security arrangement.
