The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, further clarification related to this important issue: From CPC data as of today, nationwide distribution is as follows. CPC accepted 1,869 orders and has delivered 1,696 loads. Lanka IOC placed 480 orders and delivered 471 loads. Sinopec placed 399 orders and delivered 391. RM Parks placed 377 and delivered 366. Therefore, there is no reason for a shortage; distribution is happening.

¶ 02 Also, I table the High Court of Civil Appeal decision. Its conclusion states the general public are at a disadvantage compared to dealers. The Court: - Dismissed the appeals with costs of Rs. 31,500 payable to the Defendant in each case. - Ordered applicability to connected appeals (WP/HCCA/Col 223/2022/LA, 224/2022/LA, 225/2022/LA, 226/2022/LA). - Directed the Registrar to send a copy to the Registrar of the District Court of Colombo.

¶ 03 We are acting in accordance with this judgment. We request the business community not to create unnecessary issues for the country. Neither we nor they can defy a court order. Tourism and other sectors could be affected; we will not allow that. Please act according to the judgment.