Location: Colombo- Sri Lanka
Language: Sinhala
Duration: 00:06:00
Source: A24
Restrictions: A24 Subscribers
Dateline: 02-03-2022
Storyline:
Sri Lanka’s public transport was crippled due to a stifling fuel crisis. Officials said the country’s foreign exchange situation worsened with no dollars to import fuel. The Private Bus Owners’ Association said they were able to operate only about a quarter of their fleet of 20,000 vehicles, while they are now unable to continue bus services because the stations are running out of diesel. Drivers reported queuing for seven hours to top up fuel while many commuters were seen using their motorcycles and small cars Wednesday after bus operators warned of drastically scaled back schedules.
Shots list:
(SOUNDBITE) Gemunu Wijeratne – Chairman of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association:
“Today also bus owners informed me from various provinces that there is no Diesel at filling stations. Maybe filling station owners are subsidizing the diesel supply buy the evening assuming that there will be hiking diesel prices. In the last three days, diesel was sold at different prices ranging from Rs. 2000, Rs. 3000 and Rs. 5000 in various areas and the bus owners area citing the above and stating that there are unable to carry on the bus services at this range. .”
(SOUNDBITE) Bus Conductor in Colombo:
“We brought in this current assuming for a better future, but we are in a very despicable situation although the regime is enjoying the full benefits. There will be no fuel in the coming days and will have to come into the streets and beg while they enjoy the benefits. Those who came into power promising for a change should work for the betterment of the country otherwise we are currently in a very pathetic state.”
(SOUNDBITE) Employee at the filling station:
“There is no fuel although they have been stating that it will be available since morning, but to no avail. And we are jobless and tomorrow also seems hopeless. We are waiting in anticipation.”
(SOUNDBITE) 71-year-old three-wheeler driver in Colombo who is awaiting to obtain fuel):
“Although I am around 71- years old now, I am currently going through all these hardships since it has been very difficult for me and my family to survive. I have also a child to support, I think the regime is acting irresponsibly. If they are unable to rule the country they should leave it and go without acting irrationally. People are suffering in queues for hours to obtain goods. And we have to wait until that fuel tank Isdispathched for distribution. Our agony is uncountable.”
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