News

CPC monopoly to end with govt. inviting multinational companies

Published

4 years ago

2022/06/21

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Minister of Power and Energy, Kanchana Wijesekera, on Sunday, told the media that giving the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) the monopoly over the oil industry was a mistake and the government was taking steps to allow multinational oil companies to recommence operations in Sri Lanka. The petroleum sector was nationalised in the early 1960s and the CPC was given a monopoly.

Addressing the media in Colombo, the Minister said that several other companies must get involved in fuel distribution in the country as it had become obvious that the CPC couldn’t do it alone.

“We need a few companies like Lanka IOC. Soon, I will present a Cabinet Paper on this matter. Not only the CPC and the LIOC, but also companies of other oil producing nations must be given the chance to supply and distribute oil. Companies like Shell and Caltex were in Sri Lanka earlier. We made a serious error when we gave the CPC a monopoly,” he said.

The Minister also insisted that many oil companies had shifted to Singapore after Sri Lanka nationalised the petroleum sector. The Minister said that Singapore had become a petrochemical hub thereafter.

” We want a company which can give us oil at least for one year on credit––a company that could use its own funds to import fuel. The purpose will be lost if they too start tapping into the dollars that local banks have. If the IOC wants to expand, we must allow that to happen. We have taken a decision to allow oil producing companies to start operations in Sri Lanka,” he said.

The Minister also said that two ships carrying petrol and diesel would arrive on the 23 and 24 June. Sri Lanka had enough stocks of diesel for 10 days and the CPC was supplying to the market more than it usually does, he said.

“The LIOC has 10,000 MT of petrol in its stores in Trincomalee. It only issue 300 MT a day but we asked it to release 1,000 tonnes a day in the coming days. We urge people not to queue up for petrol in the coming four days unless it’s an emergency,” he said,

The Minister also insisted that the CPC officials were following procurement guidelines to the letter when making fuel purchases, as they feared that they would be hauled up before various probe commissions and therefore they were hesitant to take prompt action. “The Cabinet is now contemplating laws to give officials some legal cover to protect themselves, when officials take proactive decisions during emergencies.”

The minister said: “The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) needs fuel to ensure that power cuts do not exceed three hours. The train services also need 150 tonnes of diesel a day. State and privately owned buses, engaged in public transport, need 600 tonnes of diesel a day. We have instructed depots to pump diesel to buses with route permits from Sunday (19). The police have been instructed to provide security. Tourist coaches, staff transport services and school services, too, can queue up at sheds. There is fuel for everyone. I urge drivers of these vehicles not to queue up in gas stations from now on.”

The Minister also said that in the next week the police and divisional secretaries would come up with a list of full-time three wheeler drivers and allocate them specific gas stations for refuelling.

“We will divide the vehicles so that each vehicle has two days a week to obtain 20 to 30 litres of fuel. Health workers can also get fuel to their vehicles at selected gas stations every Friday. We will get three crude oil shipments on 29 June and 10 and 14 July,” the minister said.

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Russian circumnavigation team arrive in Sri Lanka

Published

2 hours ago

2026/04/26

Priyan

The Russian circumnavigation team, the 5 Oceans Club, made a brief stop in Sri Lanka as part of their second global sailing expedition.

The six-member crew, visited the Russian House in Colombo, on Friday, (24th April) where they shared insights from their journey.

What makes this expedition particularly inspiring is the club’s commitment to inclusivity. They actively encourage children with limb disabilities to experience the ocean and participate in sailing as equals, fostering confidence and a deep connection with nature.

The team also spoke about a specialized sailing school based in Siberia—one of Russia’s most picturesque regions—where children with such challenges are trained and introduced to maritime life. During the session, they offered a glimpse into their daily life aboard the yacht and highlighted how they integrate elements of science into their explorations, making their journey both adventurous and educational.

The crew consists of, Dmitry Kuznetsov – (captain of the boat of the 5 Oceans Club), ⁠Vladimir Dudkin – (crew member), ⁠Dmitry Dudkin –(cabin boy), ⁠Ksenia Kuznetsova – (cabin boy), ⁠Natalia Shahinyan – (founder of the charity foundation “Life on the Move”), ⁠Sofia Sheremet -(ward of the foundation)

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time

Published

8 hours ago

2026/04/26

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 25 April 2026, valid for 26 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 in Monaragala district during the day time.

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 011-744649

News

Sagarika derailment disrupts coastal rail line; services to resume in two days

Published

9 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Railway General Manager Ravindra Pathmapriya said on Friday that re-railing operations of the derailed ‘Sagarika’ train have already commenced and that services on the Coastal Line are expected to be restored within two days.

Addressing the media, he said the Minister had instructed officials to take all necessary measures to minimise inconvenience to passengers.

Commenting on the incident, he said: “The damaged train is a significant loss for us, especially as our fleet is already limited. We have incurred this loss and hope to rectify the situation promptly. However, we will need to deploy an alternative train in its place, and discussions are currently underway.”

The ‘Sagarika’ train, operating from Beliatta to Maradana, derailed near the Wadduwa Railway Station on Friday morning (24), causing severe damage to one track of the dual-line section.

The Railway Department has since restricted services on the affected Coastal Line up to Panadura Railway Station.

Arrangements have been made to transport passengers from Panadura to South Kalutara by Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses, from where train services will resume towards Matara and Beliatta.

Meanwhile, the Department said efforts are underway to clear the obstruction and restore at least one track by the end of the day.