Business
Dialog in partnership with Sampath Bank launches tourist fuel pass
Dialog Axiata PLC on the invitation of Ministry of Power and Energy and Ministry of Tourism partnered Sampath Bank PLC, to launch the Tourist Fuel Pass (TFP) that would enable tourists visiting Sri Lanka to obtain fuel without the standard quota restrictions. The TFP is a NFC-based stored value card that can be purchased on foreign currency at any Sampath Bank outlet. The Tourist Fuel Pass is powered by the Touch Fuel Platform developed by MilleniumIT ESP and accessible at selected Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (Ceypetco) and Lanka IOC (LIOC) fuel stations island-wide.
Dialog Axiata was licensed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka as an Issuer of Payment Cards to facilitate issuance of single purpose stored value Tourist Fuel Pass cards. The Touch Fuel solution is available across 300 CPC and LIOC outlets and will be expanded to over 500 outlets by end-October 2022. Tourists can purchase the Tourist Fuel Pass for USD 5/- at any of the 229 Sampath Bank branches island-wide, including the outlet at the airport arrival. Tourists can access https://fuelpass.gov.lk/touristpass for additional information and contact the 24-hour hotline on 1393 for any card related queries. The Tourist Fuel Pass will be allowed a minimum of USD 50/- and a maximum of USD 300/- top-up value that can be paid in any accepted foreign currency, which will then be converted to LKR equivalent on the day’s prevailing forex rate and will be subject to a convenience fee deduction. The card is valid for 2 years from the date of activation. Further, any loss or damaged card can be replaced at any of the Sampath bank branches island-wide.
Commenting, Hon. Kanchana Wijesekera, Minister of Power and Energy said, “We are pleased to introduce the Tourist Fuel Pass to encourage overseas visitors to Sri Lanka who may be concerned about availability of fuel for their travel within the country. We are grateful to Dialog Axiata PLC, Sampath Bank PLC and Dialog’s Technology partner MillenniumIT ESP, along with CPC and LIOC for enabling the launch of this platform. The Government of Sri Lanka is committed to creating a safe and comfortable environment for all visitors to our beautiful country and the launch of TFP is one such initiative in that direction”.
Sharing his thoughts on the Tourist Fuel Pass, Hon. Harin Fernando, Minister of Tourism and Lands said “With the influx of visitors arriving in the country following the tourist season, I am pleased to see initiatives of this nature come to fruition. We have deep-seated confidence in this platform as it is powered by Dialog Axiata and Sampath Bank, two of the leaders in new technology & innovation. I must also acknowledge the efforts taken by MIT, Ceypetco and Lanka IOC for facilitating the launch of the Tourist Fuel Pass. We must all come together to showcase the beautiful nation that we all love as the accommodating, hospitable, ultimate travel destination that it is, and I am grateful to all those present on this occasion who have done so”.
Speaking about the initiative, Supun Weerasinghe, Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata PLC said, “We are thankful to the Ministry of Power and Energy and the Ministry of Tourism and Lands for their continued efforts and collaboration with the private sector to utilize digital platforms that would overcome challenges and accelerate growth. We are pleased to facilitate the ‘Tourist Fuel Pass’ solution and are thankful to our partners Sampath Bank, MIT, Ceypetco and Lanka IOC for enabling the launch of TFP on time for the upcoming tourist season”.
Sharing his thoughts on the partnership, Nanda Fernando, Managing Director of Sampath Bank PLC said “We at Sampath Bank are pleased to collaborate with Dialog Axiata PLC and Ceylon Petroleum Corporation on this new initiative as the exclusive banking partner for the new Tourist Fuel Pass. Introducing this scheme, guarantees an influx of foreign currency to the country as well as brings forth convenience and availability of fuel for tourists to travel around the island. As we thrive to support our country during these uncertain times, we are privileged to be on board with this project and to revive our nation”.
Expressing his thoughts, Susantha de Silva, Managing Director, CPC said, “Ceylon Petroleum Corporation takes pride in having been able to energize the future tourism industry by timely initiating the Tourist Fuel Pass in collaboration with all stakeholders. It has been a challenge but a joy to explore practical and user-friendly avenues to make tourists feel unburdened and carefree during their stay in our beautiful island. We are grateful to all the entities which held hands with Ceylon Petroleum Corporation in this journey to launch a Tourist Fuel Pass. I sincerely wish that this measure will drive the future tourism industry into a new phase and open new doors to uplift the country’s economy.”
Commenting, Manoj Gupta, Managing Director of LIOC said, “Atithidevo Bhava-A guest is akin to God. We are delighted to collaborate with Dialog Axiata PLC, Sampath Bank PLC and Dialog’s Technology partner Millennium IT ESP for this much awaited launch of Tourist Fuel Pass, that offers tourists fuel assurance at all LIOC sheds. As the travel and hospitality sector is witnessing increasing demand once again, we believe this Tourist Fuel Pass is coming at the right time for tourists looking at resuming their travel and enjoying their holidays in our island nation”.
Speaking about the initiative, Shevan Goonetilleke, CEO of MillenniumIT ESP said, “We are pleased to be a part of this great initiative in facilitating the ‘Tourist Fuel Pass’ that will contribute towards encouraging travelers to visit Sri Lanka despite the ongoing crisis. This platform launch was made possible by the incredible partnership between public and private sector companies, The Ministry of power and energy, The Ministry of Tourism and lands, Dialog Axiata PLC, Sampath Bank PLC, Ceypetco, and Lanka IOC. And this is just another example of how technology can rapidly create ecosystems to mitigate a national crisis.”
Global oil prices have risen after at least three ships were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran continues to launch strikes across the Middle East in response to ongoing attacks by the US and Israel.
Two vessels have been struck, and an “unknown projectile” was reported to have “exploded in very close proximity” to a third, the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO) said.
Iran has warned ships not to pass through the strait, which carries about 20% of the world’s oil and gas.
International shipping has almost come to a standstill at the strait’s entrance, with analysts warning that a prolonged conflict could push energy prices even higher.
In early trade in Asia on Monday, global oil prices jumped by more than 10% before those gains eased during the morning.
At 02:00 GMT, Brent crude was more than 4% higher at $76.16 (£56.53) a barrel, while US-traded oil was also up by around 4% at $69.67.
“The market isn’t panicking”, Saul Kavonic, head of energy research at MST Research told the BBC.
“There is more clarity that so far, oil transport and production infrastructure hasn’t been a primary target by any side,” he added.
“The market will be watching for signs that traffic through the Strait of Hormuz returns, which would see oil prices subside again.”
But some analysts have warned it could go over $100 in the event of a prolonged conflict.
On Sunday, the Opec+ group of oil producing nations – which includes Saudi Arabia and Russia – agreed to increase their output by 206,000 barrels a day to help cushion any price rises, but some experts doubt this would help much.
Edmund King, president of the AA, warned the disruption could drive up petrol prices around the world.
“The turmoil and bombing across the Middle East will surely be a catalyst to disrupt oil distribution globally, which will inevitably lead to price hikes,” he said.
“The magnitude and duration of pump price increases depends on how long the conflict goes on.”
The U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran have reignited geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, stoking fears of a broader conflict that could disrupt critical energy supply routes – particularly the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply flows. Brent crude has already edged higher, and global oil markets warn prices could climb toward, or even exceed, US$80–100 a barrel if hostilities escalate.
Against this backdrop, an independent economic analyst told The Island that for Sri Lanka – a small, fuel-importing economy with limited domestic energy resources – the implications could be significant.
“Sri Lanka imports over 90% of its petroleum requirements, and any sustained rise in global crude prices would expand the annual import bill, placing renewed pressure on already tight foreign exchange reserves,” he said.
Even moderate spikes in oil prices, he noted, tend to filter quickly through the domestic economy. “Higher fuel costs translate into increased transport and production expenses, which feed into inflation and erode household purchasing power. Freight charges for essential goods – from food items to industrial inputs – would also rise.”
“The Middle East remains a key source of remittances and export demand,” the analyst explained. “A large share of Sri Lankan migrant workers are employed in Gulf economies, while regional markets absorb tea and other exports. Heightened instability could weaken remittance inflows and soften demand, further straining the balance of payments.”
When asked whether the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) might be compelled to shift policy in response, the analyst said the monetary authority faces a delicate balancing act.
“Rising import inflation stemming from higher global energy prices could push the Central Bank to maintain – or even tighten – its monetary policy stance in order to safeguard price stability and support the rupee. A firmer stance may be deemed necessary to anchor inflation expectations and preserve market confidence. The Central Bank is therefore likely to monitor inflation data closely in the coming weeks to assess whether energy-driven price pressures prove temporary or more entrenched,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) Chairman S. Rajakaruna said that Sri Lanka’s fuel imports – sourced primarily from Singapore and India – reduce immediate exposure to supply disruptions directly linked to Middle Eastern routes. He also sought to allay public concerns, noting that the country currently maintains sufficient fuel stocks for approximately one month and that there need not be any queueing up by the public to hoard supplies.
However, the analyst cautioned that while physical supply may remain stable, global price pass-through effects are an unavoidable risk.
Meanwhile, Opposition politician Wimal Weerawansa said that official assurances of “one month’s stock” tend to unsettle the public, arguing that such statements evoke memories of past shortages and public distress.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
The Ministry of Education officially recognised LOLC Holdings PLC for its flagship humanitarian initiative, Divi Saviya, at a special ceremony held on 27th February 2026 in Battaramulla. The event marked the second time the Ministry has acknowledged the programme’s contribution to the nation’s education sector.
Group Managing Director/CEO Kapila Jayawardena presented a project update to Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, highlighting the rapid restoration of 200 schools under Phase 02 of ‘Obai, Mamai, Ape Ratai’. The schools were repaired and handed over within just 45 days, enabling students displaced by Cyclone Ditwah to safely resume learning.
Phase 02 follows a needs assessment that identified 200 damaged schools and 4,000 displaced families. Implemented with Divisional Secretariats and Disaster Management Centres, the Rs. 500 million programme has delivered Family Super Packs and school renovations across six districts.
Kapila Jayawardena stated, “It was a privilege to share these outcomes with the Prime Minister. This recognition reflects how private sector collaboration can complement government efforts during national challenges.” Plans are underway to fully rebuild select schools destroyed by the cyclone.
Oil prices rise after ships attacked near Strait of Hormuz
War photographer Paul Conroy dies as tributes paid
Allies of US in the Gulf bear brunt of Iran attacks
Dry weather will prevail in most parts of the island
Israel resumes attacks as Iran vows to avenge supreme leader’s death
CPC has enough fuel stocks
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
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