The new administration headed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe is ready to reactivate the regular fuel procurement plan which was abandoned last year and introduce a fuel information management system along with the national fuel pass with QR code with effect from tomorrow, Energy Ministry sources disclosed.
This is aimed at providing fuel to the people in a methodical manner where the pumping at petrol sheds would be rationed under a limited weekly quantity as the government is in financial difficulty in paying for petroleum imports due to the severe forex crisis.
The procurement plan 2021-2023 for crude oil and refined petroleum products prepared by a high powered committee had to be abandoned due to a rapid increase in global oil prices especially after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a high ranking official of the Energy Ministry told the Business Times.
He noted that the Sapugaskanda oil refinery had to close down several times since mid last year as a result of the halting of crude oil imports owing to high global prices, forcing the CPC to go for the spot purchasing of refined oil only.
The CPC has completely ignored the procurement plan 2021-2023 which had clear guidelines, details and instructions for the importation of refined oil on term tender basis in an orderly manner following proper tender procedures, a Finance Ministry observation report attached to a cabinet memorandum during 2021/2022 period revealed.
The Ministry also questioned the CPC as to why they were delaying placing new orders when the Treasury was ready to release the funds, including the premium fee to get a fuel shipment from a reputed company as soon as possible
The Energy Ministry will look into these aspects including finding dollars before reactivating the procurement plan in consultations with the Finance Ministry, a top official of the ministry said. The country needs 4000 MT petrol and 5500 MT of diesel to meet the daily demand and to achieve this requirement a diesel shipment should arrive in the island once every seven days and petrol shipment once in 10 days.
Therefore orders for fuel shipments should be placed 35 days before the arrival of the ship and the planning of procurement will have to be done at least two months ahead, he said adding that the officials of the stock review committee are fully conversant with this procedure.
The fuel stock position has come down to almost zero level owing to mismanagement of the CPC owing to inefficiency and corrupt practices of some officials with connections to the fuel mafia who were behind creating a shortage of fuel without following the procurement plan, a former top official of the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited (CPSTL) divulged.
There were around 80 registered suppliers including 12 regular suppliers connected to international oil companies who use to bid for fuel term tenders and almost all of them are now reluctant to import oil on behalf of the CPC as it owes them millions of rupees for previous supplies, he disclosed.
Most of them have become frustrated due to bureaucratic red tape and demands for commissions as well as unnecessary interference of some officials in the procurement process of fuel, he added.
The fuel information management system aimed at eliminating queues will provide the public with visibility about the fuel stations that offer fuel, and the availability.
During the first phase, the system will be updated daily in the morning, with the information about the fuel dispatch, along with the fuel filling station details, the quantity of fuel dispatched, and the availability of stocks.
Govt reactivates Fuel Procurement Plan to streamline petroleum imports
GR allowed to stay in Singapore for another 2 weeks
Former President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has been allowed to stay in Singapore for another two weeks by the country’s authorities.
Accordingly, foreign media have reported that he has been allowed to stay in the country until August 11.
He arrived in Singapore from the Maldives on a plane belonging to Saudi Airlines July 14th.
Hemasiri Fernando awarded life membership of the Commonwealth Games Federation
Hemasiri Fernando has been awarded life membership of the Commonwealth Games Federation. It was announced yesterday at its Annual General Assembly held in Birmingham. Hemasiri Fernando has done outstanding work as the President of the Sri Lanka Olympic Committee and was the person who took the initiative to build its headquarters building.
The home of the Sri Lanka Olympic Committee, which has been praised by Olympic representatives from various countries as the most attractive national Olympic home, is especially appreciated by Sergi Bubka, who is a senior vice-president of the International Athletics Association and an honorary member of the International Olympic Committee, nicknamed the Flying Man. The Auditorium of the Olympic Committee is known as the Hemasiri Fernando Auditorium.
Hemasiri Fernando has represented Sri Lanka in the shooting event and has been fond of sports since his school days. Hemasiri, who has been involved in athletics, basketball, and football, has led the Colombo University team in cricket during his university life.
Hemasiri Fernando, who distinguished himself as a Navy officer, after retiring from service, joined a large portion of work as an administrative officer in the public service. He chaired Sri Lanka Telecom, Board of Investment, Airport and Aviation Services Authority as well as the People’s Bank, all of those institutions are fit for tomorrow’s world. He can be named as a forward-looking administrator who made sacrifices in the midst of various obstacles to shape the way.
Hemasiri Fernando, who has worked as the Prime Minister’s Secretary, has also worked as the President’s Chief of Staff. Hemasiri Fernando, who has worked as the Secretary of the Ministry of Defense as well as the Secretary of the Ministry of Posts, carried out a pioneering mission to match many of the functions of the Ministry of Posts with new technology.
He is highly interested in stamp collecting and railways and works with great dedication to further educate the Sri Lankan community in this regard. ‘A Railway Museum’ is one of his dreams and he has a big plan to bring additional income to the Railway Department. Also, the luxury train managed by the Sri Lanka Railway Department is Hemasiri Fernando’s personal train.
Essays on Ceylon Railways, The Uva Railway, Railway to the Moon and The Viceroy Special are their works done by him. There is a great possibility that a controversial work that will reveal the political and social reality of this country will be published by him.
Hemasiri Fernando, who does not hesitate to make bold decisions and statements, and who always wants to see the world and pursues up-to-date knowledge, is still young in his abilities.
LNW heartily congratulates Hemasiri on the honor bestowed upon Sri Lanka by qualifying for life membership of the Commonwealth Games Federation as a Sri Lankan!
Vajira Abeywardena sworn in as a Member of Parliament
United National Party Chairman Vajira Abeywardena was sworn in as a Member of Parliament today (27).
Vajira Abeywardena was nominated by the United National Party for the position of National List Member of United National Party, which became vacant after Ranil Wickramasinghe assumed the office of President and the Election Commission had issued the related gazette announcement a few days ago.
The debate on imposing the state of emergency and vote today
The statement issued by President Ranil Wickramasinghe recently imposing the state of emergency throughout the island is scheduled to be debated in Parliament today (27).
The approval of the Parliament is required for the continuation of the emergency law and accordingly, a vote will be held in the Parliament at 04.30 pm today.
An announcement from the Immigration Department about the issuance of foreign passports
The Department of Immigration and Emigration says that from today (27) foreign passports will be issued only to applicants who have booked earlier dates and times.
The department says that this decision was reached due to the increase in the spread of the Covid epidemic situation.
However, the Department of Immigration and Emigration has announced that a special one-day service is in operation for those traveling abroad due to very urgent needs and such applicants can quickly book a date and time by sending the documents proving their urgent need to the number 0706311711 via WhatsApp.
Protestors arrested near Bandaranaike statue remanded
The Fort Magistrate’s Court ordered the remand of the four protestors who were arrested by the police yesterday (26) while standing near the Bandaranaike statue at the Galle Face in violation of a court order.
Accordingly, the court ordered that they be remanded until July 29.
The Fort Magistrate’s Court had recently issued an order prohibiting any party from entering the area up to 50 meters from the Bandaranaike statue on the Galle Face.
Daily Covid deaths indicate rise!
Five Covid-19 related deaths were confirmed by the Director General of Health Services yesterday (25) said the Department of Government Information in a statement, following months of silence living with the pandemic.
Accordingly, the spread of the virus has increased in Sri Lanka after a considerable period of time.
MIAP
Fuel supply uncertain after middle of next month: CBSL Governor
Despite the fuel stocks received by the ships that have been paid for being manageable until the middle of next month, the purchase of fuel from then on could be uncertain, confessed Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe speaking to Hiru TV.
“Speaking of fuel, actually we need at least US $350 – 400 million per month for vehicles alone (without electricity). With electricity, US $550 million. S0, allocating US $500 million (because our reserves are at a very low level) we may need the help of India or China, for it is the only way. If so, we may be able to solve this matter very easily. Nevertheless, now the situation is uncertain whether we will receive it. We have made a request, but it is still uncertain. If that happens, the worse case scenario is that we may not receive any. If we receive nothing, we may have used up our reserves. By the middle of next month, the fuel which we have paid for may arrive. Beyond the point, it is uncertain how to locate fuel for next month.”
Q: According to the current situation, how long have the fuel ships been paid without any problems?
“We have paid for three diesel ships and two petrol ships. They are to arrive as they have been paid. Those are the ones that arrive these days.”
“There was no fuel in the last few days, wasn’t it? Now, the diesel and petrol are arriving. We have paid the amounts we receive. These stocks may suffice – but not fully. The deficit will remain until the early days of next month.”
MIAP
Special Ruling Party meeting commences under President’s patronage
A special ruling party meeting has commenced at the Finance Ministry under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
This would be the first ruling party meeting after Wickremesinghe’s swearing in as the head of state.
Parliament is set to be convened tomorrow (27) and matters such as the adoption of the emergency law and the formation of the all-party government will be discussed at the meeting, according to sources.
The Samagi Jana Balawegaya and its alliance, however, will not be endorsing the adoption of the emergency law.
MIAP