Business
New regulatory body to be established to prevent fuel shortages: state minister
by Sanath Nanayakkare
A new regulatory body under the purview of the power and energy ministry would be established in the near future whose duties will include the ensuring of uninterrupted fuel supplies at all the filling stations in the country, leaving no room for any more fuel queues, D.V. Chanaka, State Minister of Power and Energy said yesterday.
He made this remark to the media at a ceremony where Sinopec Lanka Energy (Pvt) Ltd inaugurated its first renovated filling station at a grand re-opening ceremony at Trans Lanka Filling Station in Nawagamuwa.
The event was witnessed as a major milestone on the company’s first anniversary since entering into Sri Lanka.
Speaking at the event, the State Minister said,” We have already given Sinopec the mandate to supply oil to 150 fuel stations owned by Sri Lankan businesspeople. This filling station at Nawagamuwa has been fully renovated to the best global standards, and I identify it as one of the top 3 filling stations in Sri Lanka. In the agreement that we have entered into with Sinopec, we have agreed that all these 150 fuel stations will be upgraded to equal the best standards of fuel stations in China. In addition to that, another 50 fuel stations are scheduled to be opened. However, as the infrastructure and operational standards of these stations are very high, we have agreed upon a timeframe of three years for the completion of these fuel stations. It is going to be such a secure system,” he said.
“We know there are concerns among consumers about the quality of fuel they get at filling stations. But state-of-the art filling stations like this one in Nawagamuwa would be a trend setter in the best global standards applicable to filling stations. In the future, as this trend expands, it is all going to be automated and it will be possible for us to monitor from the head office in Colombo the quality of fuel supplied to the consumers as well as whether the consumers get the right quantity of fuel for the money they paid.”
“Meanwhile, the government is going to set up a new regulatory body according to which each and every fuel station must maintain 50% stock at any given time. We will be able to monitor that from the head office without having to visit them. We are going to do this to ensure that no fuel shortage would occur again and to eliminate the formation of queues for oil.”
“Other two foreign players who have agreed to enter the market will also set up their stations on a par with Sinopec’s standards and the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation also will up its game in the energy sector to effectively face the emerging competition,” he said.
The minister thanked Sinopec for supplying the cheapest oil to Sri Lanka with a one-month credit line during the tough economic times Sri Lanka experienced during which time 25 regular oil suppliers ditched Sri Lanka.
Ms Wang Haini, the General Manager of Sinopec Energy Lanka said,” Looking ahead, Sinopec plans to renovate the remaining 149 filling stations over the next 3 years and explore opportunities for 50 brand new stations. A vocational training and qualification grade system to fuel station staff will be built to help develop a more skilled workforce for the energy sector. A comprehensive customer service center, which will be equipped with support in multiple languages, is also to be introduced to effectively address inquiries from customers and dealers alike.”
‘Sinopec’s efforts in Sri Lanka are part of its broader commitment to enhancing the energy landscape through strategic investments in infrastructure and human capital development. Sinopec will be devoted to shaping high standards in Sri Lanka’s Petroleum Industry under the guidance of Ministry of Power and Energy and empowering Sri Lanka,” she said.
Himaransi Gamage, dealer/ director at Translanka Enterprise Pvt Ltd told The Island that the renovation of their filling station was done at a cost of more than Rs.100 million and the total cost was borne by Sinopec.
Gigalingua Lanka, a premier German language institute, officially launched in Colombo with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Dr. Felix Neumann, German ambassador to Sri Lanka. This marks a significant milestone for Sri Lankan professionals, especially nurses, looking to expand their careers in Germany’s thriving healthcare sector.
In collaboration with its strategic partner Global Care Solutions (Pvt) Ltd – a renowned company in the foreign recruitment industry – Gigalingua Lanka offers a unique pathway for Sri Lankan nurses and apprentices to master the German language and pursue rewarding career opportunities in Germany.
Dr. Felix Neumann, the Chief Guest at the event, expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of language education as a bridge to global career prospects. In his speech, Dr. Neumann noted, “German language is not only a means of communication, it is a gateway to global career opportunities.” He commended Gigalingua Lanka for providing valuable opportunities for Sri Lankans and addressing the critical demand for skilled workers, especially in the nursing sector in Germany.
Gigalingua Lanka is the first private institute in Sri Lanka to offer comprehensive German language training up to the B2 level, and conduct TELC exam. The institution also provides language training for apprentices, allowing them to undertake the Apprenticeship Program and contribute to the growing labor market in Germany. The collaboration between Gigalingua Lanka and Global Care Solutions is designed to meet Germany’s growing need for skilled workers, particularly in the healthcare sector.
The event was attended by a number of prominent figures, including Dr. Felix Neumann , Arthur Senanayake (chairman of IWS Holdings), Eran Wickramaratne – former MP, Chandra Schaffter – ( Founder of Janashakthi Insurance ), Dhammika Attygalle (Director Upali Group of Companies and President Automobile Association of Ceylon) Former Wing Commander Buwaneka Abeysuriya (Ex- chairman Janatha Estates Development Board).
Chairman of Global Care Solutions, Thomas Michael Kriwat, who is also chairman of the Mercmarine Group of Companies in Germany, highlighted the significance of the new training center. He said, “We are bringing world-class German occupational language training to Colombo, offering a structured, career-focused pathway for Sri Lankan professionals. By introducing TELC (The European Language Certificates) as an officially certified German language test authority, we are increasing accessibility for students seeking internationally recognized qualifications.”
At the thanksgiving speech, Dr. Rajan Sara, Managing Director of Global Care Solutions and Director of Gigalingua Lanka, outlined the critical need for foreign nurses in Germany. “Germany is facing a significant shortage of nurses, estimated to need an additional 150,000 by 2025. This is exacerbated by an aging population and increasing healthcare demands. Over 47,000 vacancies in the healthcare sector remain unfilled, making it an ideal time for Sri Lankan nurses to seize this opportunity,” Dr. Sara explained. (Gigalingua Lanka)
In keeping with its vision to consistently evolve and address accelerated business growth needs, Brown & Company PLC recently unveiled its new state-of-the-art manufacturing and warehouse facility in Katunayake. Strategically located within minutes of the Bandaranaike International Airport and the nation’s rapidly evolving highway network, the space is positioned to significantly enhance Browns’ logistical capabilities. The hub will enable seamless access to key markets across the island, further solidifying the Company’s principal role in a cross-section of industries.
The inaugural event of the Browns Group Industrial Park was attended by Ishara Nanayakkara, Chairman, Brown & Company PLC and Deputy Chairman, LOLC Holdings PLC and Kapila Jayawardene, Group Managing Director/CEO, LOLC Holdings PLC along with key officials from the Browns and LOLC Group.
Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, has successfully launched the highly anticipated vivo V50 smartphone, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to bringing 5G technology and pro-level mobile experiences to Sri Lankan customers, with the first customer handover taking place on 27th March 2025.
The vivo V50, designed in collaboration with ZEISS, combines advanced features such as a 50MP ZEISS OIS Main Camera, a powerful Snapdragon® 7 Gen 3 processor, and a stunning 6,000mAh battery, all housed in a sleek, ultra-slim design. Available at an attractive price, the vivo V50 delivers unmatched mobile performance for work, play, and creativity, offering features such as AI-enhanced photography, 4K video recording, and lightning-fast 90W FlashCharge technology. The vivo V50 also boasts a 41° golden curvature for a comfortable grip and a premium, cinematic mobile experience.
Dialog’s partnership with vivo underscores its commitment to bringing the latest in 5G innovation to Sri Lanka, providing customers with access to next-generation mobile experiences and empowering them to capture, create, and connect like never before. The vivo V50 is now available for purchase at Dialog’s Experience Centers and via https://www.dialog.lk/phones/vivo-v50-5g-12gb.
IPL 2025: Kohli, Patidar and Krunal star as Royal Challengers Bengaluru end ten-year Wankhede jinx
Sun directly overhead Nainamadama, Sandalankawa, Kundasale, Mahiyanganaya and Kalmunanai at about 12:12 noon today [08]
Showers or thundershowers will occur in Western and North-western provinces and Galle and Matara district in the morning and at most places of the island during the afternoon or night
-
Business1 day agoColombo Coffee wins coveted management awards
-
Features2 days agoStarlink in the Global South
-
Business3 days agoDaraz Sri Lanka ushers in the New Year with 4.4 Avurudu Wasi Pro Max – Sri Lanka’s biggest online Avurudu sale
-
Business4 days agoStrengthening SDG integration into provincial planning and development process
-
Business3 days agoNew SL Sovereign Bonds win foreign investor confidence
-
Sports5 days agoTo play or not to play is Richmond’s decision
-
Features2 days agoModi’s Sri Lanka Sojourn
-
Sports4 days agoNew Zealand under 85kg rugby team set for historic tour of Sri Lanka