Caught with 4 litres of petrol at home:Sri Lankan man gets 21 days jail amid fuel crisis

The convicted individual, identified as B. M. Lasantha Kumara Balasuriya, admitted to the charge when he was produced before the Nikaweratiya Magistrate’s Court by the Kobeigane Police.

The sentence was handed down by Magistrate Chandana Liyanage, following Balasuriya’s confession.

Police informed the court that the suspect had been arrested while in possession of four litres of petrol at a time when fuel storage is under strict regulation, according to local media reports.

He was charged under the Petroleum Products (Regulation and Control of Supplies) Act No. 34 of 1979.

Fuel distribution in Sri Lanka remains restricted, with motorists currently receiving fuel on alternate days.

Fuel prices in the island nation have also risen following the US-Israeli bombardment of Iran on February 28.