News
Crude oil available for Sapugaskanda, but required output not up to scratch
By Shiran Ranasinghe
The Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery was not providing adequate amounts of diesel and naphtha to power plants although ships carrying over 300,000 tonnes of crude had arrived in the country, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) engineers said. They said power cuts could have been reduced if adequate amounts of diesel and naphtha had been provided.
Engineers said the Kelanitissa Combined Cycle Power Plant, refurbished at a cost of several million dollars, was not operational for want of naphtha. Kelanitissa can produce 165 megawatts of electricity.
Samagi United Trade Union Force (SUTUF) Convener and Media Spokesman Ananda Palitha said close to 200,000 tonnes of crude were available in Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) stores. A ship carrying over 95,000 tonnes of crude was also in the port, he said.
“We have unloaded these ships after making them wait for months. We will have to pay about 17 million US dollars as demurrage. There are technical issues at the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery because it was shut down several times. It only produces burnt oil, not naphtha,” he said.
President of the Petroleum General Employees Union Ashoka Ranwala said that they had repeatedly warned the government about the dangers of shutting down the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery on a regular basis.
“We have repeatedly said that refining is a complex process. You can’t shut down refineries for months, restart and get top quality products immediately. Even a coffee vending machine takes a while to produce coffee with the right blend,” he said.
The Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) TAIMUR and ASLAT arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 12 Apr 26.
The visiting ships were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in
compliance with naval traditions.
The duo of ships is commanded by Captain NIAMAT SAEED KHAN (PNS TAIMUR) and Captain NADIR MATEEN AFRIDI (PNS ASLAT).
Meanwhile, the ships are expected to conduct a Bilateral Naval Exercise LION STAR V with the Sri Lanka Navy in Colombo seas.
Latest News
Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at 3.30 p.m. on 11 April 2026, valid for 12 April 2026
The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and Monaragala district.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note: In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
Latest News
Sun directly overhead Cheddikulam, Kebithigollewa, Gomarankadawala and Nilaveli about 12:11 noon. today [12]
On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from 05th to 15th of April in this year.
The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (12th) are Cheddikulam, Kebithigollewa, Gomarankadawala and Nilaveli about 12:11 noon.
PNS TAIMUR & ASLAT arrive in Colombo
Sanju Samson and Jamie Overton deliver first points for Chennai Super Kings
Arya, Prabhsimran and Shreyas help Punjab Kings ace another 200-plus chase
Beauty of Sri Lanka in focus: Global showcase blends art, diplomacy and conservation
Showers expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, North-western and Uva provinces and in Ampara, Batticaloa and Polonnaruwa districts after 1.00 p.m.
Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and Monaragala district
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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