The Hon. Eranga Weeraratne - Deputy Minister of Digital Economy

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, today, during this important debate, some Members of the Opposition asked questions about the country’s petroleum situation and the methodology of fuel distribution through our QR code. I wish to clarify those matters.

¶ 02 Looking at the world today, the ongoing warlike situation in the Middle East has significantly affected global fuel distribution. Accordingly, many countries have already introduced measures to manage this challenge. For example, South Korea, Bangladesh and Myanmar have limited fuel sales. Pakistan and the Philippines have reduced working days to 14 per fortnight. Vietnam has expanded work-from-home mechanisms. Similarly, we too must adopt measures to strengthen our fuel security. Adopting a mechanism does not mean we already have a shortage. Even if the country has stocks sufficient for normal needs, we must understand how to move forward amidst a war environment and be prepared if it worsens.

¶ 03 On that basis, we introduced the QR code system with transaction limits to regularize distribution. In any crisis, people tend to rush to stock up, and some politicians and TV channels try to sensationalize matters and create panic, which can quickly deplete available stocks if we do not respond with the right procedures.

¶ 04 We considered three options to implement controlled distribution: - Give one week’s prior notice for public registration to the QR system. The risk was mass panic and hoarding. - Halt fuel sales for two to three days to roll out the system. That would seriously disrupt the economy. - Prepare the system well and implement it swiftly with minimal harassment to the public.

¶ 05 We chose the third option. We also assessed our stocks and global supply dynamics to determine the best launch timing and decided that Sunday would minimize inconvenience since usage is lower and people can spare time to adapt. We also needed to inform both the public and distribution entities and allow brief time for awareness.

¶ 06 We identified digital constraints. The Department of Motor Traffic’s legacy systems have performance limits; we needed to minimize system load and simplify user steps. About three years ago, many had already registered and obtained QR codes. Allowing reuse of existing QR codes would reduce inconvenience. Therefore, if one had previously registered, they could use that code again.

¶ 07 Two situations required special handling: 1) Vehicle ownership change: If a seller had registered the vehicle under the previous QR, the buyer could face difficulty registering. We set up support to handle such cases through our 1919/helpline/service channels. 2) Mobile number change: If the number used to create the QR had changed or the SIM was inactive or ownership had shifted, re-registration became difficult. At launch, we cleared legacy registrations tied to inactive or transferred numbers from the system, and enabled proper re-registration. We also enabled smooth registration for new owners after a vehicle sale.

¶ 08 Because a sudden relaunch creates high traffic, we provided the service in two phases: - First, priority access for those who already had QR codes, with a one-day lead. - Then, access for the second group two days later.

¶ 09 This phased approach reduced downtime and system load, ensuring continuity of service and minimizing load on the Department of Motor Traffic’s systems.

¶ 10 In measuring success, we accept no system is 100% flawless when introduced at speed and scale. We launched on a Sunday precisely to surface and resolve teething issues quickly. As of now, 5,094,566 users are using the system, and 5,103,991 vehicles are registered. New registrations have accelerated: by 2023 there were no such new vehicles, but at present 439,997 newly entered vehicles are registered; on the 15th there were 44,000; on the 16th, 347,000; and by 9.00 a.m. today a further 51,000 had registered. This shows growing public adoption.

¶ 11 The same MIT and Dialog teams that supported in 2023 are supporting now as well, at no cost. Initial stability issues then took two weeks to resolve and a further eight to refine. This time, we set it up within about two weeks and it has stabilized within three days.

¶ 12 Circumstances today differ from 2023. Then, there was an acute shortage; the QR system eased scarcity. Now, we use QR to introduce calibrated limits to preserve security amidst external risks. We were aware some difficulties could arise, and we are addressing them promptly. Our aim is at least 95% successful usage, and we are nearing that.

¶ 13 We will continue to remove obstacles swiftly and provide additional communication channels beyond 1919, such as messaging platforms, to reduce congestion and to receive public feedback quickly.

¶ 14 In conclusion, this system aims to rationalize fuel usage and safeguard national fuel security until this war environment eases. I thank MIT and Dialog for their support, the petroleum staff, and especially the public for their patience and cooperation. I request the Opposition and media to support this national need and avoid causing unnecessary fear and panic.

¶ 15 Thank you.