By Ajith Siriwardana   

The government is expected to spend Rs. 122 million to distribute the diesel consignment which was donated by China free of charge, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.   

He said the Department of Agrarian Development has commenced the distribution of 6.8 million litres of diesel donated by China among the farmers for paddy harvesting.   

The Minister said Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) would undertake the distribution of the diesel stock and it expected to spend Rs. 122 million for the purpose.   

He said steps have been taken to provide diesel free of charge to paddy farmers who cultivate between half an acre to two and a half acres.