Several rounds of discussions on the present situation of the country were chaired by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today (April 16), the President’s Media Division says.

The first round of talks was held with Finance Minister Ali Sabry, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, State Minister Sheshan Semasinghe, Presidential Secretary Gamini Senarath, Chief Advisor to President Lalith Weeratunga and Finance Ministry Secretary K.M.M. Siriwardena.

Another discussion has taken place with the officials of the ministries of finance, energy and health, the PMD said further.

President Rajapaksa has directed the officials to expedite the necessary measures to procure medicinal drugs, fuel and LP gas and other essential items.

The focus of the discussions also fell on the plan to import fuel for the next three months.

In addition, allocations of funds received under the Indian credit line for procuring essential food items, medicinal drugs, fuel and LP gas was taken up during the talks.

Meanwhile, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) Chairman Sumith Wijesinghe stated that the President gave directions to resume operations at the Sapugaskanda oil refinery.

According to reports, the attention of the authorities was also drawn to the measures that need to be taken for an uninterrupted supply of fuel to the general public.

Further, the President has also instructed the officials to take necessary steps to make financial provisions for the LP gas shipment, scheduled to arrive in the country in the coming days.