Meeting challenges of soaring oil prices

The price of crude oil in the world market went up twice in the recent past. Accordingly, the Government has no alternative other than to increase the price of petrol and diesel in the local market.

When the `Sunday Observer’ sought people’s views on the price hike, an executive in the Bank of Ceylon, Wimalasiri Pathinayaka proposed to the Government to impose a toll from all types of vehicles other than vehicles belonging to the armed forces and passenger transport entering the Colombo city.

“If such a scheme is implemented many will refrain from coming to Colombo and it will help to reduce fuel consumption to a great extent,” he said.

Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said encouraging vehicle owners to park their vehicles outside the Colombo city limits and travel to their work places or any other destinations in public transport is the best solution to reduce petroleum consumption.

“I have already spoken to the relevant authorities on ways and means to establish large scale vehicle parks outside the city limits and also to start shuttle services to enable people to reach Colombo without inconvenience”.

Former schoolteacher, Suresh Walgampaya of Kandy asked the Education Minister to extend school sessions by one hour and reduce the schooldays upto four days a week.

“Such an action could reduce huge fuel consumption with the stopping of a large number of school buses and school vans,” he said.

Student of Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo, Deshani Abeywickreme welcomed the proposal made by the educationist to conduct schools only for four days a week to reduce fuel consumption. She however, called upon the Education Ministry not to increase the number of school hours, considering their other usual commitments.

Undergraduate of the University of Moratuwa, Ruwan Satharasinghe welcomed the President’s request and asked the Government to encourage private vehicle owners to pick up people who are at bus stands.

He said such a scheme will reduce the number of vehicles coming to the city and also to reduce petrol consumption.

“This scheme is currently put into practice in several countries including in Malaysia and Singapore”.

Priyani Sakunthala of Wattala said if the Transport Ministry deploy additional school buses, children will get used to them rather than to private school vans.

“This will reduce the number of school vans coming to Colombo every day”.

Dr.Vishva Kanagasabai of Kadawatha wanted the Government to construct large vehicle parks at Ratmalana, Kohuwala, Battaramulla, Ja-Ela, Kelaniya, Maharagama and many other places which are in close proximity to the city of Colombo. Businessman, M.S. Ahabdeen said “Sometimes we travel additional 300 to 500 metres to reach our destinations due to the present traffic system.

Therefore I appeal to the authorities to re-introduce the old traffic system and it will definitely help the Government’s drive to reduce fuel consumption.

Private sector Executive, Kokila Wijithamuni commended the President’s request and said the use of Government vehicles by public officers should be restricted.

He said some public sector officials use their vehicles to take their children to schools, tuition classes, functions etc.

He also urged the authorities to visit popular schools in Colombo at 1.30 pm to see the number of Government vehicles which are parked near schools.

Pradeshiya Sabha Member, Neil Shantha of Kaduwela commended the President’s appeal to reduce petroleum consumption and proposed the Government to impose a complete ban on cars entering the Colombo city.

“To make this proposal a success, Government should establish more vehicle parks in the city outskirts”.

Executive in a mercantile sector, Milton Hewapathirana said “Government should ban only cars and motorcycles coming to the Colombo city at least one working day a week.

“Thereafter, it can be extended to two or more days”.

He said at the same time the authorities should also improve the passenger transport service within the Colombo city limits by adding more private and SLCTB buses to enable people to reach their destinations without any hindrance”.

Priyantha Pushpakumara of Homagama requested the Government to convert all trishaws which now run on petrol and diesel into gas.

“Such a move will not only reduce the fuel consumption, but also reduce the fare, charged from passengers”.

Private Sector employee, Prasanna Samarasinghe of Maradana said: “I suggest the authorities to expedite the construction work of the proposed flyovers and bridges, especially at crowded junctions, so that it too will help to reduce fuel consumption”.

Electrical Engineer, Ganganath Adikari of Yakkala wanted the Government to charge Rs. 50 from each car is entering the Colombo city in order to discourage car owners to travel in their private cars.

Postal Department employee, Norbet Edirisinghe of Narammala wanted the President to reduce the fuel granted to parliamentarians, provincial council and pradeshiya sabha members and also direct them to refrain from using this free fuel for private journeys other than for official purposes.

Pix: Vipula Amarasinghe