News

If China or India go to court, CPC in trouble!

Published

2 years ago

February 2, 2023

editor

Following the enactment of the Petroleum Products (Special Provisions) Amendment Act in October last year, the basic agreement of restructuring the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) based on a proposal by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in 2001 has been breached, it is learnt.

The Act allowed international petroleum product retail suppliers to enter the local market.

Accordingly, it was reported that if China or India go to court, the CPC will face a serious crisis.

When questioned by the Sri Lanka Mirror, Cyril Suduwella, who is an expert in the petroleum sector, also confirmed this.

He pointed out that the new Act has breached the basic ADB agreements of bringing the CPC affairs under an independent regulatory body and dealing with stakeholders in the petroleum sector in a fair, just and equitable manner.

According to these proposals, the Kolonnawa Oil Terminal has been established, where three parties have been given the opportunity to distribute and sell fuel in the country.

Accordingly, the CPC, Indian Oil Company and a Chinese company named ‘China Sinopec’ have been given this opportunity.

However, China Sinopec has not started its operations in Sri Lanka even though it has been given permission.

Accordingly, more than 100 filling stations that were given to this company have been placed under the purview of the Treasury.

Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera submitted the Petroleum Products (Special Provisions) Amendment Bill to the Cabinet last year. The Bill was passed in Parliament on October 26 last year.

The proposal made by the ADB 21 years ago said the regulation of petroleum should be done by an independent regulatory body under the minister in charge. However, it is said that these proposals have been violated by the amended Act.

News

CAA seizes bottled water stock in Hemmatagama over violations

Published

4 hours ago

December 6, 2024

editor

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) raided a factory in Hemmatagama, Mawanella, seizing over 3,000 bottles of drinking water prepared for distribution.

Investigations revealed that the factory’s Health Ministry registration certificate had expired and was obtained using false information. The seized stock included bottles of varying sizes from 500 ml to 19 liters.

The CAA emphasized that falsely claiming standards or endorsements violates the CAA Act, and legal action will be taken against the violators. Regular raids are conducted to prevent consumer deception.

News

POIASL renews call to lift oil palm cultivation ban

Published

4 hours ago

December 6, 2024

editor

The Palm Oil Industry Association of Sri Lanka (POIASL) has urged the Government to reconsider the 2021 ban on oil palm cultivation, citing its economic, environmental, and strategic benefits.

Speaking at the association’s fifth AGM, President Dr. Rohan Fernando criticized the ban as an “ill-conceived decision” lacking scientific basis, driven by vested interests. He emphasized that oil palm is the most efficient vegetable oil crop, meeting over 40% of global demand.

Fernando argued that expanding oil palm cultivation could reduce edible oil imports, save foreign exchange, and create jobs. He highlighted India’s accelerated oil palm expansion as a model and called for collaboration with major producers like Indonesia, Malaysia, and India.

The AGM concluded optimistically, with hopes that the new administration will reconsider the ban to align with its goals of food security, poverty alleviation, and economic growth.

News

Met Department forecasts showers in several provinces

Published

4 hours ago

December 6, 2024

editor

The Meteorology Department says several spells of showers will occur in Northern and Eastern provinces.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya and Kandy districts during the evening or night.

Mainly fair weather will prevail elsewhere, the Met. Department added.

Misty conditions can be expected in most places of the island during the morning.

Thus, the general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.