News
Unionist asks why long queues at filling stations when CPC has large fuel stocks
Calls for probe into controversial Govt-LIOC diesel deal
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Opposition trade union activist Ananda Palitha says large stocks of both diesel and petrol are available at the Kolonnawa and Muthurajawela storage tanks, but they are not efficiently delivered to filling stations.
The retired CPC employee said that the government should inquire into the continuing chaotic situation.
Kolonnawa and Muthurajawela are the main distribution points whereas sufficient storage facilities are maintained at district level to meet the demand.
Responding to another query, Palitha pointed out that earlier the government hadn’t been able to procure adequate stocks due to the shortage of USD. After having procured the required stocks, now those
responsible did not distribute fuel efficiently.
The unionist alleged that the Parliamentary Opposition, too, had failed to take up the issues on behalf of the public.
Palitha urged the government to inquire into the inordinate delay in delivering both petrol and diesel against the backdrop of the controversial agreement with the Lanka IOC to obtain diesel. Claiming that the CPC continued to suffer staggering losses due to the agreement reached several months ago, Palitha asked whether it had been scrutinized by the Attorney General’s department. “Cash-strapped CPC paid as much as Rs 79 more on each litre of diesel bought from the LIOC storage in Trincomalee than the retail price of a litre at Ceypetco stations. The losses are mounting,” Palitha said.
“I have all necessary documents to prove how the agreement has caused huge losses to the state coffers at a time the government is struggling to cope up with a severe balance of payments crisis,” Palitha said, urging the government to examine the circumstances leading to the agreement with India/LIOC.
Commenting on the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) directly seeking Indian intervention to procure a consignment of diesel to provide uninterrupted electricity during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year period next week, Palitha said that the government should be ashamed of this development.
That meant the PUCSL had no regard for the government and didn’t foresee any trouble as a result of taking on itself the responsibility of a Cabinet minister, Palitha said. The Opposition, too, should be concerned about this development, he added.
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IMF Executive Board approves US$206 Million in Emergency Financial Support for Sri Lanka
The IMF Executive Board approved emergency financing under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI), providing Sri Lanka with immediate access to SDR 150.5 million (about US$206 million,
equivalent to 26 percent of quota) to help Sri Lanka address the urgent needs arising from the catastrophic Cyclone Ditwah and preserve macroeconomic stability.
In response to severe weather impacts, the Sri Lanka Navy conducted a diving and technical assistance operation on Friday (19 Dec 25) to clear major debris obstructing vital infrastructure.
Heavy rainfall caused a significant rise in the water level of the Mahaweli River, washed large quantities of debris, including logs and bamboo, downstream. These remain lodged in the Diyakapanathota in Gatambe, Peradeniya and Lewella bridges, obstructing the smooth flow of water.
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Landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya extended till 8AM on Sunday (21)
The Landslide Early Warning Centre of the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has extended the Landslide Early Warning issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya till 08:00AM on Sunday (21st December 2025)
The LEVEL III RED landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Medadumbara, Doluwa, Ududumbara and Minipe in the Kandy district, and Nildandahinna, Hanguranketha, Mathurata and
Walapane have been extended.
LEVEL II AMBER landslide early warnings have also been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Soranathota, Hali_Ela, Passara, Meegahakivula, Badulla, Lunugala and Kandeketiya in the Badulla district, Thumpane, Harispattuwa, Udapalatha, Kundasale, Akurana, Poojapitiya, Udunuwara, Pathadumbara, Pasbage Korale, Gangawata Korale, Hatharaliyadda, Yatinuwara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Panvila, Pathahewaheta and Deltota in the Kandy district, Rideegama in the Kurunegala district, Ukuwela, Naula, Matale, Ambanganga Korale, Rattota, Pallepola, Wilgamuwa, Yatawatta and Laggala Pallegama in the Matale district, and Nuwara-Eliya in the Nuwara-Eliya district.
LEVEL I YELLOW landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Uva Paranagama, Welimada, Haputhale, Haldummulla, Ella and
Bandarawela in the Badulla district, Alawwa, Mallawapitiya,
Polgahawela and Mawathagama in the Kurunegala district, and Kothmale East, Ambagamuwa Korale, Kothmale West, Thalawakele and Norwood in the Nuwara-Eliya district.
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