Business

Is Sri Lanka’s fuel retail sector heading towards a crisis?

Published

3 days ago

2026/09/24

(Contineued from yesterday)

The argument is that the cost of importing petroleum products into Sri Lanka has increased substantially as a direct consequence of these circumstances, making it difficult for the companies to sell fuel at the prices prescribed by the Government.

In an effort to limit the losses incurred under these conditions, some companies have reportedly restricted the quantities supplied to their dealers rather than fulfilling the full quantities requested.

It is no secret that, over the years, a considerable number of politicians from both the Government and the Opposition have entered the filling-station business. Some others have also invested in the sector as a means of legitimising funds accumulated through various illicit activities.

Large, unused buildings and other structures on certain filling-station premises, which have little connection with the actual fuel business, are sometimes cited as evidence of such investment patterns.

For such operators, a reduction in the dealer margin may not have the same impact that it has on genuine entrepreneurs whose primary source of livelihood is the operation of a filling station. The reasons for this are self-evident.

Nevertheless, if the current situation continues, this group may eventually become disproportionately represented among those who remain in the CPC dealer network.

If that happens, whatever degree of dignity, professionalism and respect the fuel retail sector has built over the years could be diminished.

The fuel retail industry is not merely another commercial activity. It is a critical component of the country’s economic infrastructure. Fuel dealers operate at the final point of contact between the petroleum supply system and the consumer. They must maintain costly infrastructure, comply with numerous regulatory and safety requirements, employ staff, manage environmental risks and provide uninterrupted service to the public.

Therefore, while the efforts being made by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation to improve profitability, increase storage capacity, modernise infrastructure and expand refining capacity are welcome, equal attention must be given to the sustainability of its dealer network.

It is both the duty and the responsibility of the Corporation to carefully examine all these factors and provide its dealers with the facilities, margins and other necessary benefits required to maintain a healthy and sustainable fuel retail industry.

A financially sustainable dealer network is ultimately in the interest of CPC itself. Without a viable retail network at the end of the supply chain, improvements in storage, transportation, refining and wholesale operations cannot fully translate into a reliable and sustainable service to the consumer.

The question, therefore, is not simply whether Sri Lanka’s fuel retail sector is facing difficulties today. The more important question is whether the present system is being structured in a manner that will allow fuel dealers to remain viable tomorrow.

N. J. Mayadunne
President,
Anuradhapura District Fuel Dealers’ Association

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Business

SLEIS 2026 to examine Sri Lanka’s energy transition and its implications

Published

18 hours ago

2026/09/26

Thilina Walpola

Reliable and affordable energy is essential to Sri Lanka’s economic growth, industrial development and competitiveness. As the country seeks to strengthen energy security while reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, the energy sector will be a key area of discussion at the Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026, organised by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on 12-13 October 2026.

The session, “Beyond Fossil Dependence: Balancing Security, Sustainability, and Growth,” will examine how Sri Lanka can diversify its energy sources, accelerate renewable energy adoption and attract investment while ensuring a reliable energy supply for businesses and households. Discussions will also consider the infrastructure and policy frameworks needed to support the country’s transition towards a modern and competitive energy system.

Ms. Edore Onomakpome – Regional Infrastructure Industry Manager – Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, at the International Finance Corporation will keynote the session, and join the panel discussion featuring G.M.R.D. Aponsu – Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, Damitha Kumarasinghe – Director General (Chief Executive Officer), Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, and Manjula Perera – Managing Director, WindForce PLC. The discussion will be moderated by Sheran Fernando – Senior Advisor, Plus94.

The session will also explore the role of public-private collaboration in developing new energy solutions, encouraging investment and creating opportunities within Sri Lanka’s evolving energy sector. It will consider how energy policy and investment decisions can support both economic expansion and the country’s longer-term sustainability objectives.

The Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026 is supported by its valued sponsors and partners. Platinum Sponsor – Standard Chartered Bank Sri Lanka, Gold Sponsor – VISA Worldwide (Pvt) Ltd., Bronze Sponsor – South Asia Gateway Terminals (Pvt) Ltd., Strategic Development Partner – Asian Development Bank, Telecommunication Partner – Dialog Telecommunication, Television Partner – Dialog Television, Session Sponsors – David Pieris Motor Company (Pvt) Ltd., Hemas Holdings PLC, Sunshine Holdings PLC, International Construction Consortium (Pvt) Ltd., Official Logistics Partner – Hayleys Advantis Limited, Official Airline – SriLankan Airlines Ltd., Official Hospitality Partner – Shangri-La Colombo, Airline Partner – China Eastern Air Holding Co. Ltd.

Registrations are now open at https://sleis.chamber.lk/. For more information, contact Alikie on 011 558 8805 (alikie@chamber.lk) or Shanuka on 0701082541 (events.division@chamber.lk).

Business

A fresh chapter for the George Keyt Foundation: A renewed commitment to the Sri Lankan art ecosystem

Published

18 hours ago

2026/09/26

Thilina Walpola

The George Keyt Foundation (GKF), dedicated to preserving the legacy of modernist painter George Keyt and fostering local art, has announced strategic appointments to its leadership team, bringing together a mix of global academic expertise, corporate leadership, and artistic passion. These enhancements aim to inject fresh expertise and academic depth into the Foundation’s long-term vision.

Establishment of the New Advisory Committee

To broaden its operational reach and deepen its engagement with the global art market, the George Keyt Foundation has established an Advisory Committee. The newly appointed committee members include:

• Dr Sujatha Meegama is a Senior Lecturer in Buddhist Art History at the Courtauld. She is an acclaimed art historian, author and academic, bringing specialised knowledge in South Asian art history to guide the foundation’s curatorial and educational directives.

• Dr Shamil Wanigaratne: A clinical psychologist, author, and avid art historian, Shamil will lend his unique perspective to help the foundation design meaningful public outreach and cultural preservation strategies.

• Abbas Esufally: A veteran corporate leader and patron of the arts, Abbas is transitioning from his role as a GKF Trustee to this advisory position, where he will continue to offer his sharp business acumen and extensive network.

New Trustee Appointment

Leesha Captain has been appointed to the Board of Trustees. Inspired by Sri Lankan artists, Leesha is a recognised supporter of the local art scene. Leesha’s hands-on perspective will strengthen the foundation’s core team as they develop and design new art programs.

A Vision for the Future

“These new appointments mark an exciting chapter for us as we build on our decades-long history of promoting Sri Lankan artists,” says Malaka Talwatte, Chairman of the Foundation. “The combination of Leesha on the board, alongside the diverse expertise of our new Advisory Committee, will significantly amplify our efforts in curating high-profile exhibitions and expanding local and international partnerships”.

Business

Sun Siyam Pasikudah celebrates World Tourism Day with culture, cuisine and community

Published

18 hours ago

2026/09/26

Thilina Walpola

Sun Siyam Pasikudah, part of the Privé Collection under Maldivian-owned Sun Siyam Resorts, will mark World Tourism Day on 27 September 2026 with a full day programme celebrating the culture, cuisine and natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s east coast, paired with community focused sustainability activities.

The celebrations open with a special buffet of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, followed by a street food festival showcasing regional snacks and traditional sweets rarely found on resort menus. A signature World Tourism Day mocktail and cocktail, created for the occasion, will be served through the day, while traditional Sri Lankan cultural dance performances bring the island’s heritage to life for guests.

Beyond the festivities, the resort has planned a tree planting activity with guests and a beach or park clean up campaign, both reflecting Sun Siyam Pasikudah’s ongoing commitment to responsible tourism along Sri Lanka’s northeast coast.