In a significant move, the Election Commission has suspended a decision made by the Cabinet regarding the distribution of a fuel subsidy to fishermen.
The Cabinet had approved the subsidy as part of a program aimed at mitigating the economic crisis’ impact on the fishing industry and facilitating its recovery. However, the implementation of this program has now been paused.
On August 28, Susantha Kahawatta, the Director General of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Department, issued a detailed seven-page letter to all district assistant directors, informing them of the subsidy’s suspension. The letter indicated that the fuel subsidy, originally set for a six-month duration, will be withheld until after the upcoming presidential election.
The suspension was based on two key letters—Cabinet Secretary letter No. AMA/24/1665/606/025 and a directive from the Election Commission (EC/EDR/PRE/2024) dated August 27, 2024. These communications were addressed to the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policy, as well as the Ministry of Fisheries. Following the Election Commission’s instruction, all activities related to the subsidy have been put on hold.
It is anticipated that the Cabinet’s recommendations on this matter will be re-examined and implemented once the presidential election concludes. Until then, all associated actions are temporarily suspended.
