The Sri Lankan, Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) has alleged that Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has not directed the government to prioritize fuel distribution to it despite urging for an essential service status for industry. The Association added while the country was dealing with a fuel crisis, apparel exporters were managing daily operations to meet production deadlines to the best of their ability. Several factories claim to have sufficient fuel stocks to meet on-going production requirements. However, small and medium apparel factories were struggling to obtain fuel as the industry lacked the essential service status, said JAAF.

It is important for all manufacturers to remain fully operational as the country’s economy depends on it. They need to meet production deadlines as per order books. Only, this will ensure uninterrupted foreign exchange inflow in the country, the association added.