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PickMe proposes fuel supply for passenger transportation via a digital pool

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If we are to prevent the catastrophe of Colombo and other main cities becoming ghost towns, we need to put in place a transparent and accountable fuel distribution system that will use the limited fuel stocks we have efficiently.

Zulfer Jiffry, CEO of PickMe says, the time has come for smart thinking.  “The digitalisation of our systems can give us an edge in overcoming the crisis we are all facing today.  To have a minimal level of transport, for an emergency, for work, or even to get about our day to day living like shopping for essentials, is an absolute need.  But we are coming to the point where the whole system is gradually running dry which may cause the country to come to a complete standstill.  It is an urgent necessity to have a sensible form of rationing at least until the next fuel ship comes in and in doing this, also ensure that distribution of fuel does not become part of black market racketeering.  While mass transport can act as a base, it is essential to have a second level of public transport, and ride hailing taxis fit the bill perfectly.”

Many reports in social and mainstream media have said that there is an active petrol and diesel blackmarket operating in Sri Lanka and this does not ensure the efficient use of our minimum stocks. To meet urgent needs and prioritise emergencies, PickMe suggests that authorities try out a pilot programme where fuel supply for transport of passengers will be done via a digital pool. When certain quotas of fuel are given to the digitally operated transport system, it won’t be just for the use of private vehicles which cannot be accessed by the public transport system. If a policy is structured by the State where three-wheelers operating in the taxi hailing ecosystem are given a certain quota through their operators, the passenger transport in the city could be rationalised in an equitable manner.

“The digital platforms would monitor the movement of their vehicles under this program to ensure the proper and transparent use of this resource. For example if we take a figure of 10,000 three wheelers with an 80,000 litre quota, they can do approximately 200,000 trips around the city, moving around 400,000 passengers in a day.  We can monitor this through our software to ensure accuracy and transparency and can even be subject to an audit.  The system we propose will be directly tied to the amount of mileage our tuks do, and if we find the set criteria is not met, then we would immediately take those drivers off the system.  It is necessary to look at systems such as this to operate in the 4 main provinces, in order to keep the provincial GDPs on an even keel, which is a dire need right now, and transport is a very important part in achieving this,” Jiffry says.

The GDP of provinces is the index that shows whether the economy is thriving or not, therefore, an order of priority to provide fuel for these provinces is required.  A breakdown of economic activities in the provinces need to be looked at, in order to literally fuel the economy with the limited stocks of petrol and diesel available.

The obvious choice to top the charts would be the western province, which has the largest share in the pie (refer Figure 1).  According to a Central Bank report in December 2021, the western province contributes 38% of the national GDP and this is over one third of the overall economy of Sri Lanka.  Key to the western province’s economic activity are services and industry, both of which involve heavy consumption of fuel.  The report says the western province has pioneered industry activities with a contribution of 44.6 percent.  In terms of services, the western province recorded the highest contribution of 39.3 percent (refer Table 1) and if the Western province is taken by itself, 61.7% of its economic activities are in the service sector (refer Figure 2).

“Given this, how we need to prioritise fuel distribution is clear.  The western province has to come first overall; and if we are prioritising industry, then the central province comes second and the north-western province third.  If we are prioritising services, the central and southern provinces will come second and third, respectively,” says Jiffry.



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SL High Commission in London hosts business promotion dialogue

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Sujeeva Nivunhella reporting from London

In a bid to support Sri Lankan small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs in the UK, the High Commission of Sri Lanka in London, in collaboration with NLC Consultants-UK, hosted the inaugural Sri Lanka Business Promotion Dialogue recently.

The event, designed to assist startup businesses led by Lankan entrepreneurs, aimed to foster business growth, enhance international market access for Sri Lankan-origin products in the UK, and expand employment opportunities for Lankans living in Britain.

Delivering the opening remarks at the dialogue, Minister (Commercial) of the High Commission Somasena Mahadiulwewa emphasized the significance of the event series. He underscored the initiative’s long-term goal of establishing a dedicated SME Entrepreneurs’ Hub at the High Commission, in line with the vision of the new Sri Lankan government and guidance from the country’s Foreign Affairs and other relevant ministries.

As part of the event’s knowledge-sharing sessions, Ranganath Abeykoonge, a Chartered Accountant and Managing Director of Sonic Builders in London, shared insights on his journey to business success. Drawing from his experiences, including working at major UK companies like TK Maxx, Abeykoonge encouraged young Lankan entrepreneurs to capitalize on business opportunities in the UK while also creating jobs for their fellow nationals.

Thilak Dharmarathne, a past member of the Sri Lanka AAT Council and Director of NLC Consultants-UK, delivered an address highlighting strategies for business growth and market penetration.

A panel discussion, chaired by Mahadiulwewa, addressed key concerns faced by Lankan business owners in the UK. Panellists included Nayana Kularathne, a Chartered Accountant, who provided guidance on tax and accounting matters; Heshan Mathugamage, a Sri Lankan lawyer and Director of NLC Consultants-UK, who addressed company startup queries; Mohamed Sameen, a UK solicitor, who covered legal business processes; and Kosala Perera, an HR consultant, who discussed employment policies in the UK.

Mahadiulwewa also shared details of the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), a duty-free opportunity announced by UK authorities in June 2023, which Sri Lankan exporters can leverage to access the UK market. Additionally, he outlined regulations concerning product labeling, food, and other product standards, offering valuable insights to aspiring exporters.

During the Q&A session, Mahadiulwewa presented a list of existing and potential export items from Sri Lanka to the UK, along with investment and tourism opportunities available in Sri Lanka.

The interactive event saw participation from 30 Lankan entrepreneurs, with discussions conducted in Sinhala, Tamil, and English. The next Sri Lanka Business Promotion Dialogue is scheduled to take place in Manchester in April 2025, promising to extend support to more Lankan entrepreneurs across the UK.

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Platform Daddy wins Best Strategic Digital Marketing Brand of the Year Award

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D. M. Nirmal Danansooriya (CEO) receiving the award

Platform Daddy Pvt. Ltd has been awarded as the Best Strategic Digital Marketing Brand of the Year at the Pinnacle Sri Lanka Awards 2024. The award ceremony was held at Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo, and company’s Chief Executive Officer, Nirmal Danansooriya received the award from former Speaker of Parliament, Sri Lankabhimanya, Karu Jayasuriya.

Beyond business, Platform Daddy remains committed to social impact. The Platform Buddy Foundation provides care, shelter, and medical support for street dogs, while the Platform Tree Foundation focuses on urban greening and environmental sustainability, with 5% of company earnings dedicated to these causes. The company has previously been honoured at several local and international award ceremonies such as the Asia Miracle Awards, the Iconic Awards, and the People’s Excellency Awards, said a release.

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Tourism Malaysia launches sales mission to strengthen ties with Lankan market

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Tourism Malaysia is excited to announce the launch of its Sales Mission in Colombo, aimed at revitalizing its presence and strengthening its relationship with the Sri Lankan tourism market. This initiative follows a remarkable 122% increase in Sri Lankan tourists to Malaysia, with 58,015 visitors in 2024 compared to just 26,058 in 2019, prior to the pandemic.

The mission emphasizes Malaysia’s potential as a key travel destination for Sri Lankans, highlighted by 30 weekly flights from Colombo, offering a seat capacity of 4,990. Hishamuddin Mustafa, Director of Tourism Malaysia Chennai (South India & Sri Lanka), stated, “We are here to reconnect with local industry players, express our gratitude for their support, and explore new opportunities for collaboration. The participation of 45 Malaysian sellers in this mission further demonstrates our commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s presence in the Sri Lankan market.”

With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 on the horizon, the goal is to attract 100,000 Sri Lankan travelers.

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