News
Govt launches US dollar pre-paid fuel card to tourists
The Dialog Axiata said it had partnered with Sampath Bank to launch a US dollar pre-paid fuel card to tourists which can top up to a maximum of 300 US dollars and use to pump fuel as the country grapples with a severe currency crisis.Sri Lanka is suffering the worst bout of monetary instability in the history of the island’s intermediate regime central bank whose rupee collapsed from 200 to 360 to the US dollar in a botched float after two years of money printing.Forex shortages had led to fuel shortages.
Tourists with “accepted foreign currency” (paper money issued by foreign central banks which are widely accepted in Sri Lanka due to be being well-anchored) can top up the card with a minimum of 50 dollars.The platform was developed by Sri Lanka based MilleniumIT ESP.
The cards can be purchased from 229 Sampath Bank outlets and at the airport and will be valid for two years. Lost or damaged cards can be replaced at Sampath Bank branches.Tourists can access https://fuelpass.gov.lk/touristpass for information or contact a24-hour hotline on 1393 for any queries, Dialog said.Initially fuel will be available at 300 Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and Lanka IOC filling stations. The network will be expanded to 500 outlets by end October.
“We are pleased to introduce the Tourist Fuel Pass (TFP) to encourage overseas visitors to Sri Lanka who may be concerned about availability of fuel for their travel within the country,” Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said in the statement
“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”.
Supun Weerasinghe, Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata said the TFC was a “collaboration with the private sector to utilize digital platforms that would overcome challenges and accelerate growth.”
“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,” Tourism Minister Harin Fernando said.
The second day of the “Vesak Bhakti Gee Saraniya”, held in parallel with the “Buddha Rashmi Vesak Kalapaya” jointly organized by the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, the Presidential Secretariat and the Prime Minister’s Office, commenced on Tuesday (13) at 6:30 p.m. under the patronage of Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, at the Presidential Secretariat premises.
The evening featured musical performances by renowned vocalist Ilyas Beg and the Sri Lanka Air Force Bhakti Gee Troup, accompanied by the Air Force Band. A Vesak lantern exhibition was also held at the venue. The event was attended by the Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, along with several senior officials of the Presidential Secretariat.
This Bhakthi Gee programme will continue today [May 14] and tomorrow at the same location. Additionally, a short-eats dansala is being held near the Presidential Secretariat for the benefit of the public visiting Colombo for Vesak, and will continue until May 16.
Meanwhile, a ‘Buth Dansala’ organized jointly by the Presidential Secretariat and the Sri Lanka Army was inaugurated yesterday near the Presidential Secretariat, with the participation of senior military officers. A large number of devotees from across the country attended the event.
In line with the ‘Buddha Rashmi’ and ‘Bauddhaloka Vesak Kalapya’, several Vesak programmes have been organized in the vicinity with the support of the Presidential Secretariat. These include the illumination of nearby government buildings and roads with decorative lights, and the display of Vesak lanterns, with the active participation of the Presidential Secretariat staff.
[PMD]
The French Navy Ship ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ which arrived in Sri Lanka on a goodwill visit (09 May 25), departed the island on Tuesday (13 May).
The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ visited some tourist attractions in the country. In addition, the Commanding Officer and a group of
crew members of the ship called on senior officers of the Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office (SLNHO) to discuss key hydrographic matters of bilateral importance.
News
“Clean Sri Lanka” joins hands to Improve facilities and sanitation at Kotmale Regional Hospital
Following the bus accident in the Garandiella area of Kotmale, a large number of injured individuals were admitted to the Kotmale Regional Hospital for treatment. In response, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme has collaborated to improve the facilities and sanitation of the hospital.
Accordingly, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme actively worked to clean the hospital ward complex and the hospital premises, aiming to create a comfortable environment for the patients’ treatment and to enhance other facilities.
A notable aspect was the voluntary participation of the local community in this effort. The “Clean Sri Lanka” secretariat appreciates the dedication shown by the doctors and hospital staff of the Kotmale Regional Hospital, who provided emergency treatment to those injured in this unexpected incident despite having access to limited resources.
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