News
Delay in energy sector reforms: WB warns SL, calls for pruning of public service
The World Bank has warned parliament over Sri Lanka’s continuing failure to implement urgently required energy sector reforms. The WB has pointed out that for want of energy sector reforms, the country experienced significantly higher energy costs than other countries in the region.
The World Bank delegation has also underscored the need for pruning the public sector and improving overall productivity, pointing out that Sri Lanka maintains one of the largest public sector workforces with relatively low wage levels compared to peer countries.
The WB has made its position in respect of national economy at a recent joint meeting with the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) and Committee on Ways and Means (COWM), parliament sources said.
The WB team led by Country Manager Gevorg Sargsyan had discussed the issues at hand with Dr. Harsha de Silva, Chair of the Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) and its members. Subsequently, the WB team had what parliament sources called a combined consultation session with COPE Chair Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera, COPA Chair Kabir Hashim and COWM Chair Wijesiri Basnayake along with members of the respective committees.
WB Country Manager Gevorg Sargsyan stressing a point
Committee Chairs expressed their appreciation to the World Bank for its continued support to Sri Lanka’s development over the years.
During the consultations, WB team has emphasized the responsibility on the part of the government address urgently needed energy sector reforms, develop ports and logistics sector and rightsizing the public sector.
Committee members briefed the World Bank officials on the mandates and oversight functions of their respective committees. Discussions also focused on key areas for reform and growth, including revenue collection improvement, job creation, poverty eradication, enhancing women’s participation in the economy, and strengthening sectors such as tourism, education, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of establishing efficiently run Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as an alternative to full privatization. World Bank officials shared successful international case studies where well-structured PPPs contributed to enhanced service delivery and sustainable economic development.
These consultations underscore the commitment of both the Parliament of Sri Lanka and the World Bank to foster stronger institutional collaboration and drive forward sustainable economic development.
Mr. Stephan Massing, Senior Operations Officer, World Bank Group, Victor Anthonypillai, Senior Country Officer, IFC, M. Jayalath Perera, Director Legislative Services and Director Communication (Acting) of Parliament were also present in these meetings.
Former first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, wife of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa was produced before the Hulftsdorp court, after being arrested by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and produce
The U.S. Navy ship USS Tulsa (LCS 16) arrived at the Port of Colombo this morning, 7 October 2026 for replenishment purposes.
The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval traditions.
The 127.7-metre-long platform is a Littoral Combat Ship commanded by Commander BM Wanier. Commissioned on 16 February 2019, USS Tulsa has since been in service with the US Navy.
The ship previously made a port call in Sri Lanka on 27 August 2025.
Govt. tells fuel distributors to maintain stocks to ensure uninterrupted supplies
by Saman Indrajith and Norman Palihawadane
The government had instructed private fuel distributors to maintain minimum stocks and ensure uninterrupted supplies to the market, Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka told Parliament yesterday (06).
Karunathilaka said the Ministry of Energy Secretary had notified the relevant companies of the requirement, following a reduction in supplies by some private distributors, amid higher international fuel prices.
The Minister said private companies had informed the government that they were facing losses because international prices had risen while fuel was being sold, locally, at prevailing prices. As a result, some companies had reduced the volumes released to the market.
The reduced supplies had increased the burden on the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), whose share of the diesel market had risen from about 54% to 82%, the Minister said.
“The CPC currently holds an 82% share of the market,” he said, adding that it had increased its supplies, compared with February, to compensate for the reduction by private distributors.
Karunathilaka said the government could not, under the existing agreements with private companies, specify the quantities they should supply to individual filling stations. However, it could require them to maintain minimum stocks in the country.
The Minister said the Energy Ministry had already instructed companies that had failed to maintain the required stocks to take steps to prevent supply disruptions.
The Minister attributed the queues reported at some filling stations to reduced supplies from private distributors, as well as normal variations in fuel distribution. He also said demand for CPC fuel had increased because private companies generally did not provide fuel to dealers on credit, while the CPC offered a three-day credit facility.
“We expect that, as the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation takes on this additional burden, the problem will ease to some extent by Wednesday or Thursday,” Karunathilaka said.
He said instructions had also been issued to increase supplies to CPC filling stations. A special discussion on the issue is scheduled for today (07), with officials of the Energy Ministry and CPC expected to participate,
along with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Meanwhile, Petroleum Dealers’ Association officials have called for an early solution to the supply issue. Association Chairman D.V. Shantha Silva said queues had been reported at many filling stations, mainly those operated by private distributors.
He said the situation was not due to an overall shortage of fuel, but was linked to reduced orders by Lanka IOC, Sinopec and R.M. Parks amid concerns over losses incurred on fuel sales.
The Ceylon Petroleum Private Tanker Owners Association has urged motorists to refrain from panic buying, saying there was no nationwide disruption to fuel supplies.
The government earlier increased fuel prices and introduced a per-litre diesel subsidy following concerns raised by distributors over rising international prices.
Former first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa arrested by CIABOC
U.S. Navy ship USS Tulsa arrives in Colombo for replenishment visit
Smriti Mandhana appointed India captain across formats
Ronaldo apologizes for Portugal walkout; says Jesus broke promise
Showers in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva, North-western and Southern provinces and in Anuradhapura and Mannar districts
Fuel crunch looms
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
News7 days agoUS-assisted ‘Ice’ detection: NPC to examine IGP’s move to transfer drug-busting team
-
Editorial6 days agoColombo Port drug bust: The plot thickens
-
Editorial7 days agoDrug busting, transfers and trust deficit
-
Features4 days agoThe first woman in the foreign service or Ceylon Overseas Service it was then called
-
News7 days agoSri Lankan facing death penalty in Saudi Arabia: Mano G appeals to Crown Prince
-
Editorial5 days agoFuelling discontent and protest
-
News3 days agoGeneva takes up Sallay’s case and govt. ignores opportunity to answer accusations
-
Latest News4 days agoTharindu Rathnayake, bowlers secure Asian Games Bronze for Sri Lanka