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Govt. settling fuel debts – Minister

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By Ifham Nizam

The government has allocated nearly USD 80 million for settling debts, related to fossil fuel purchases, and for further fossil fuel intake, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera told journalists yesterday, adding that 10 fuel shipments would arrive here within days.

USD 11 million had been paid to Lanka IOC on 30 June for the procurement of 7,500 MT of diesel, Minister Wijesekera said.

Prepayments had been made for two other companies, namely Indian Coal Energy that would supply 40,000 MT of auto diesel between 08 July and 09 July.A shipment of 40,000MT from Vitol is scheduled to reach the country between 11 and 14 July 11.

Wijesekara said that USD 28 million had been paid for that consignment, while another USD 49 million was slated to be paid on 08 July.Wijesekera also said that they were also expecting two more fuel shipments, containing both petrol and diesel either on 22 or 23 July.

Providing an update on the availability of fuel in the country, he said nearly 12,774 MT of diesel, 1,414 MT of petrol 92 octane, 2,647 MT of petrol 95 octane, 233 MT of super diesel, 500 MT of aviation fuel and 29,000 MT of furnace oil were in stock at present.

The Minister said that they are expecting the following fuel shipments this month:

July 08-09: 40,000 MT of diesel (Ceypetco),

July 11-14: 40,000 MT of diesel (Ceypetco)

July 13-15: 30,000 MT of diesel/petrol (LIOC),

July 22-23: 40,000 MT of diesel (pending approval)

July 22-23: 40,000 MT of petrol (Ceypetco),

July 29-31: 30,000 MT of diesel/petrol (LIOC) and

August 13-15: 30,000 MT of diesel/petrol (LIOC)

Nearly 110,000 MT of diesel, 70,000 MT of petrol and 40,000 MT of diesel (pending approval) will arrive in the country, the Minister said.

Meanwhile, Lanka IOC said it was expecting three shipments of petrol and diesel in Sri Lanka this month and in August. The first shipment is expected between 13 and 15 July. The second shipment is expected to reach between 29 and 31 July, while the third shipment is scheduled to arrive between August 10 and 15.

Each vessel will be carrying 30,000 metric tonnes of fuel, according to Lanka IOC Chairman Manoj Gupta. All these shipments will be arriving from Singapore and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).



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Secretary to the President meets with heads of the Health sector

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A special discussion between Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and the heads of the health sector was held on Tuesday (18) at the Presidential Secretariat.

During the meeting, it was discussed that a committee would be formed to explore possible steps that could be taken through the President’s Fund to reduce the number of patients on long waiting lists for surgeries in government hospitals.

The committee is expected to submit a report on the matter within one month. Based on the findings, appropriate actions will be taken, as indicated by the Secretary to the President.

The discussion highlighted the significant number of patients, including those requiring cardiac, ophthalmic, and paediatric surgeries, who are currently awaiting procedures on long waiting lists at government hospitals.

Attention was also given to the potential support that could be provided by the President’s Fund and other relevant sectors to address the challenges faced by these patients.

Additionally, discussions were held regarding the possibility of conducting surgeries after regular working hours at government hospitals. The challenges faced by doctors and staff were also thoroughly discussed during the meeting.

The discussion was attended by several key officials, including Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Media Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Additional Secretary (Public Health Services) Dr. Lakshmi Somathunga, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, along with directors and specialist doctors from major hospitals across the country.

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Govt. plan to boost revenue with taxes on vehicle imports unrealistic, warns Harsha

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Dr. de Silva

By Saman Indrajith

SJB Colombo District MP Dr. Harsha de Silva told Parliament yesterday that vehicle imports would be affected by unusually high prices. Commencing the Second Reading debate from the Opposition side, Dr. de Silva said that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had, in his Budget speech, projected a substantial portion of tax revenue from vehicle imports. “What is the feasibility of such expectations, given the current price surge,” the MP queried.

“Who can afford to import vehicles at these rates? I do not believe there are enough affluent individuals in Sri Lanka to sustain vehicle imports at these exorbitant prices.”

Providing examples of the dramatic price increase, Dr. de Silva pointed out that a Toyota Raize now cost Rs. 12.2 mn, a Toyota Yaris Rs. 18.5 mn, and a Toyota Prius a staggering Rs. 28.9 mn.

“Someone mentioned that a Toyota Vitz could be available at Rs. 1.4 mn.”

Dr. de Silva said that the government aimed to increase tax revenue by 1.6% of GDP with a significant portion expected from vehicle imports. However, he warned that achieving that target was unrealistic under current circumstances. The government must reassess its reliance on this sector for increasing tax revenue,” he said.

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SLN receives shallow water multi-beam echo sounder from Australia

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From left : Defence Advisor to the Australian High Commission in Colombo, Colonel Amanda Johnston, Australian HC in Colombo Paul Stephens, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda and Chief Hydrographer of SLNHS and Commander Southern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Kosala Warnakulasooriya

Giving a significant boost to Sri Lanka’s hydrographic capabilities, the government of Australia handed over a state-of-the-art Shallow Water Multi-Beam Echo Sounder to the Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service (SLNHS) during a ceremony held at SLNS Rangalla today (18 Feb 25). The formal ceremony was held under the auspices of the High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka, Paul Stephens and the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, marking new chapter in the discipline of hydrography.

The Australian government provided the Sri Lanka Navy with this Multi Beam Echo Sounder to enhance its hydrographic capabilities. This advanced equipment will enable the Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service (SLNHS) to conduct precise hydrographic surveys, essential for creating nautical and electronic charts for international use. The device will also facilitate the production of high-precision nautical charts, ensuring safer maritime navigation.

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