Business
Inadequate LPG price hike compels the vulnerable to subsidize the wealthy: Advocata Institute
While Advocata Institute welcomes the recent Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) price increase by Litro Gas Lanka, it remains inadequate and indirectly forces Sri Lanka’s vulnerable segments to subsidize wealthier LPG consumers.
This inequity arises because the retail price remains below cost-reflective levels despite the price revision. In April 2026, Saudi Aramco’s Asia-Pacific benchmark rose sharply, adding approximately Rs. 1,000–1,200 to the landing cost of a standard 12.5kg cylinder. The retail price, however, was increased by only Rs. 775, leaving a shortfall of approximately Rs. 225–425 per cylinder.
The gap is currently covered through cross-subsidization, where industrial users are charged higher prices than households. In practice, these costs are often passed on to consumers, as Sri Lanka’s protectionist trade regime allows local companies to do so without losing market share. As a result, households ultimately bear the burden through higher prices on everyday goods.
However, the benefits of this subsidy are concentrated among higher-income households. According to the 2024 Census of Population and Housing, LPG is used for cooking by 42.4% of households nationally, while 55.4% still use firewood. The 2019 Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) further shows that nearly 80% of households in the highest expenditure tier use LPG, compared to less than 8% in the lowest-income tier. As such, the subsidy primarily benefits wealthier households, while its costs are indirectly borne by the broader population – including those who do not consume LPG.
Beyond this inequity, the cross-subsidization model creates two economic risks. First, artificially low prices can discourage conservation and the transition to alternatives such as firewood and briquettes. This sustains LPG demand and contributes to ongoing pressure on foreign exchange reserves. Second, pricing below cost creates an artificial price ceiling. Private sector competitors, unable to match the subsidized prices, risk being driven out of the market. This discourages new entrants and limits investment in the sector.
Advocata Institute urges the government to replace this cross-subsidization model with a fully cost-reflective pricing mechanism. Targeted cash transfers should be utilized to ensure that assistance reaches vulnerable households, while avoiding the inefficiencies of subsidies that disproportionately benefit higher-income groups.
Advocata Institute is an independent policy think tank in Sri Lanka that advocates for economic development through free markets
Business
SLT-MOBITEL driving Sri Lanka’s economic resilience through digital infrastructure
Corporate accolades underscore the alignment between its operational excellence and national development
In an era where national competitiveness is intrinsically tied to digital connectivity, strengthening the country’s digital backbone has become an urgent priority. Within this context, the evolving role of Sri Lanka’s leading telecommunications provider, SLT-MOBITEL, offers valuable insight into how technological infrastructure can underpin broader economic resilience.
Telecommunications and digital networks are foundational to economic transformation. By expanding high-speed broadband access, upgrading enterprise cloud capabilities, and bridging the urban-rural connectivity divide, SLT-MOBITEL helps reduce business transaction costs, streamline supply chains, and enable micro, small, and medium enterprises to reach global markets.
Recent corporate accolades further underscore this alignment between operational excellence and national development. SLT-MOBITEL’s triple triumph at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026 – winning in the Infrastructure and Utilities sector, Performance Management, and ICT Services categories – highlights its growing impact. Notably, the recognition of eChannelling’s contributions to digital healthcare reflects a broader strategic pivot toward integrated technology solutions.
“Institutional efficiency of this nature is critical for attracting foreign direct investment, as global partners increasingly assess a country’s digital maturity and systemic stability before committing capital,” noted industry observers.
Moreover, the company’s transition from a conventional telecom utility to a comprehensive digital solutions provider aligns seamlessly with Sri Lanka’s national digitalisation agenda. As the country pursues public sector modernisation, enhanced e-governance, and a competitive knowledge economy, the private sector must step up to deliver secure, scalable, and future-ready networks. Investments in data centres, cybersecurity frameworks, and advanced ICT infrastructure act as strategic buffers, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s economic apparatus remains agile and resilient amid future global uncertainties.
However, industry experts caution that while these achievements are commendable, SLT-MOBITEL still has a considerable distance to cover in fully enabling a truly digital economy.
Business
Port City Colombo strengthens Gulf investment ties at Dubai diplomatic engagement
Port City Colombo (PCC) took a prominent role as Platinum Sponsor at the second edition of Sri Lanka Beyond Your Dreams, a high-level diplomatic and investment engagement hosted by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The event, held on 2nd September 2026 at the Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, brought together over 400 senior UAE-based business leaders, investors, diplomats, and institutional stakeholders, alongside Sri Lanka’s most senior government representatives.
The gathering was graced by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, as Guest of Honour, and Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. A high-level Sri Lankan delegation – including the Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Chairman of the Board of Investment, the Chairman of the Export Development Board, and the Director General of Commerce – underscored the government’s strong commitment to deepening economic diplomacy with the UAE.
In his keynote address, Minister Herath reaffirmed the centuries-old ties between Sri Lanka and the Arab region, emphasising the UAE’s vital role as a key economic partner. He stressed the urgency of finalising a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE, which would establish a robust framework to elevate trade, investment, and bilateral cooperation. Declaring Sri Lanka “open and ready for business,” he positioned Port City Colombo as the physical embodiment of this economic mission – a modern Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with a dedicated legal framework and competitive incentives, offering UAE investors a natural gateway to South Asia while maintaining strong Gulf connectivity.
Business
American Premium Water strikes Gold at Dragons of Sri Lanka 2026
American Premium Water has secured four wins at Dragons of Sri Lanka Awards 2026, including three Gold Dragons and one Black Dragon, marking a significant milestone for the brand following its relaunch last year.
Part of the prestigious Dragons of Asia awards, Dragons of Sri Lanka brings the program’s regional platform to the local market, celebrating creative and effective marketing communications, with entries evaluated on strategic thinking, creativity, execution and impact. Established in 2000, Dragons of Asia is one of Asia’s premier results-driven marketing awards programs.
For American Premium Water, the achievements are particularly significant given that the company’s debut at the Dragons awards has resulted in four Dragons across four categories. In the distinction of Gold Dragons, American Premium Water was recognized across three categories including Product Launch or Re Launch, Cause, Environment or Sustainability and Creative Excellence while the Black Dragon was awarded in recognition of Small Budget.
Competing alongside leading brands and agencies in Sri Lanka, American Premium Water’s four wins demonstrate the strength and effectiveness of its recent work. Winning three Gold Dragons across three distinct categories highlights the breadth of the brand’s achievements, while the Black Dragon for Small Budget further emphasizes its ability to create meaningful impact through focused and efficient investment.
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