News

Sri Lanka’s largest state-owned liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplier, Litro Gas Lanka Limited, and its terminal arm, Litro Terminals (Pvt) Ltd, are moving ahead with a major restructuring process aimed at divesting government shares to private investors, amid renewed debate over transparency and energy security.

A senior Finance Ministry official confirmed that the government intends to sell either a majority or all of its shares in Litro under the ongoing state enterprise restructuring programme. “Bids were called for by the previous administration, and no action has been taken to cancel them,” the official said.

As of July 2024, eight bidders have been shortlisted to acquire stakes in Litro Gas and its terminal operations. The lineup includes major global and regional energy players such as Vitol Asia, Bharat Petroleum, Siamgas and Petrochemicals, Bgn Int Dmcc, Bayegan Dis Ticaret, Confidence Petroleum India, OQ Trading Limited, Tristar Transport, and a consortium between Infinity Holdings and National Gas Company SAOG.

This restructuring aligns with the government’s broader economic recovery plan under the US$2.9 billion IMF programme, which seeks to reduce losses from state-owned enterprises. Despite the ongoing divestiture, Litro has remained financially strong, paying Rs. 3 billion in dividends to the Treasury through its parent company, Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, in 2024.

However, a new controversy has erupted over a tender amendment that critics claim may compromise fair competition. The latest international tender floated by Litro on August 27, 2025, to procure 380,000 metric tonnes of LPG for 2026, included a last-minute amendment before its September 23 closing date.

Under the new Clause VIII in the conflict-of-interest section, bidders are now permitted to lease a competitor’s LPG terminal at Hambantota, though Litro disclaims responsibility for logistics or product handling until delivery at its Kerawalapitiya facility.

While the clause appears to offer flexibility, industry analysts warn that it effectively encourages bidders to rely on the Hambantota terminal operated by LAUGFS Gas, Litro’s main rival. “It’s like asking a state company’s suppliers to pay rent to its competitor,” said one energy expert, questioning the wisdom of embedding operational dependence on a private rival’s infrastructure.

Litro currently operates an 8,000 metric tonne terminal at Kerawalapitiya and a 400 MT storage complex at Mabima, covering only 8.4 days of national demand. Sri Lanka’s monthly LPG requirement averages 25,000–30,000 MT, with daily consumption at around 1,000 MT. Nearly 95% of LPG is imported, as domestic refinery output from the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) remains minimal.

By contrast, LAUGFS controls a 30,000 MT state-of-the-art terminal in Hambantota, giving it a strong logistical and transshipment advantage. This has reignited long-standing debates about energy independence and the strategic control of critical storage infrastructure.

In 2021, the government considered a public-private partnership between Litro and LAUGFS to jointly use the Hambantota terminal, with potential cost savings of US$70 per metric tonne. The proposal, championed by LAUGFS Chairman W.K.H. Wegapitiya, was shelved amid political uncertainty and security concerns.

Procurement experts warn that any tender modification must be formally issued as an addendum to all bidders. Failure to do so could invite legal challenges before the Procurement Appeal Board or even in court.

For foreign suppliers, the clause introduces cost and logistical risks, while for Sri Lankan consumers, fewer competitive bids could mean higher prices and weaker supply security.

As the restructuring and tender processes unfold, Litro’s future hangs between reform and risk—a test case for Sri Lanka’s ability to modernize state enterprises without compromising public interest or market fairness.

Gold prices in Sri Lanka have recorded a sharp increase, following a significant rise in the global gold market.

The international gold price climbed to US$ 4,212 per ounce today (13), marking a new peak.

In response, local gold prices have surged by around Rs. 10,000 as of today, traders said.

Accordingly, the price of a 22-carat gold sovereign in the Colombo Pettah market has risen to Rs. 310,800, up from Rs. 301,500 yesterday (12).

Meanwhile, the price of a 24-carat gold sovereign, which stood at Rs. 326,000 yesterday, has now increased to Rs. 336,000, reflecting the global trend.

The Second Reading vote on Sri Lanka’s 2026 Budget will take place today (14) at 6:00 p.m., the Parliament’s Department of Communication announced.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as Minister of Finance, presented the Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill for 2026 to Parliament on November 7.

The full Budget debate will continue until December 5, 2025.
The Committee Stage debate is scheduled for 17 days, from November 15 to December 5.

The Third Reading vote is expected to be taken at 6:00 p.m. on December 5. Budget debates will be held daily, except on Sundays and public holidays.

Meanwhile, the opposition has announced it will vote against the 2026 Budget during today’s Second Reading.
SLPP MP D.V. Chanaka said he would vote against the Budget, stating it does not provide adequate relief to the public.
Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunathilaka also confirmed that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will oppose the Appropriation Bill.

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa announced that a public rally against the government, scheduled for November 21 in Nugegoda, aims to remind authorities of the promises made to the people.

He made the statement while speaking to the media following a discussion held on November 12 at former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s party office on Flower Road, Colombo.

According to Namal Rajapaksa, several opposition parties have already joined the discussions. He highlighted that while deliberations were previously held solely within the SLPP, they now include all opposition parties.

“The rally seeks to press for the fulfillment of the government’s promises,” he said, adding that many citizens affected by government policies are expected to participate.

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), the United National Party (UNP), and several other parties have confirmed their participation. Additional parties are expected to decide after completing their internal discussions, he added.

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has summoned specialist doctors from across Sri Lanka this week for urgent consultations on the proposed 2026 national budget, raising alarms over potential impacts on the country’s free healthcare system.

In a statement, the GMOA said the budget “appears to undermine the resilience of Sri Lanka’s free healthcare system, pushing it toward collapse,” citing salary cuts, removal of tax relief, and lack of allowances as key concerns for medical professionals.

Specialist doctors, who manage high-risk responsibilities across multiple hospitals, reportedly continue to operate without transport or fuel allowances, often spending more than half their income to reach remote facilities. The GMOA warned that such financial and logistical pressures could accelerate the brain drain of skilled healthcare professionals, further straining public health services.

The association also criticized the Health Ministry for urging overseas-trained specialists to return, while simultaneously cutting benefits for those already serving locally. Cases have emerged where returning specialists face obstacles such as denied school enrollment for their children, highlighting systemic gaps in support.

“If these short-sighted policies continue, Sri Lanka’s globally respected free healthcare system risks irreversible decline,” the GMOA said, emphasizing that sustained service quality and workforce retention are under threat.

As a response, all specialist doctors nationwide have been called to the GMOA headquarters in Colombo on Friday, November 14, to discuss a coordinated strategy, including potential service disruptions and trade union actions. The GMOA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting both the rights of medical professionals and the integrity of free healthcare.

(Source :dailymirror.lk)

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP for the Matale district Rohini Kaviratne has sought the intervention of the Bribery Commission and the Auditor General to intervene to ensure whether the allocation of Rs. 5 billion in the budget for the payment of Rs.200 each to estate workers belonging to private plantation companies.

She has written to these two institutions to examine whether it is unlawful or not. Asserting that it is a national priority to look after estate workers, she said around 40,000 workers who do not belong to the major plantation companies are not even covered by this proposal.

She said it is an allocation made only for the benefit of estate workers working in plantations coming to the main companies. She argued that allocations could not be made from the Consolidated Fund for the benefit of private sector employees in this manner.

(Source :dailymirror.lk)

Claiming that social media has started to call him 'father of brown sugar' after the opening of a brown sugar outlet in Nugegoda recently, Industries Minister Sunil Hadunnetti said today he is happy to be called the 'father of brown sugar' rather than 'father of white sugar'.

He told Parliament that the Ministry is attempting to promote the consumption of brown sugar in a move to save foreign currency.

The Minister said Sri Lanka has imported 2,502 million metric tonnes of sugar during the last five years at a cost of Rs. 350 billion (more than USD 1500 million).

"Brown sugar is healthier than white sugar. Is it wrong to promote brown sugar," he asked.

(Source - Dailymirror)

Sri Lanka has once again earned global recognition for its commitment to sustainable travel, with three local tourism initiatives honoured at the Global Responsible Tourism Awards 2025 held in London on November 3. The prestigious event, organised by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) alongside the World Travel Market, celebrated 30 organisations worldwide that exemplify excellence in responsible tourism practices.

All awardees had previously won Gold in their respective regional competitions held across Latin America, Africa, Europe, the Indian Subcontinent, and Southeast Asia, before advancing to the global stage.

Professor Harold Goodwin, Founder Emeritus of ICRT and Chair of the Judging Panel, said the awards highlight the importance of accountability and transparency in sustainable tourism. “Responsible tourism is about making better places for people to live in and visit,” he said. “It is essential that organisations support their impact statements with verifiable facts. Our sector still suffers from exaggerated claims, but we hope stronger regulations will curb this. All winners demonstrated clear accountability what they took responsibility for, what actions they implemented, and what impact was achieved.”

ICRT Global Chair Debbie Hindle noted that the awards are “free to enter but hard to win,” applauding the 2025 winners for their innovation and leadership. She also announced the commencement of nominations for the 2026 Global Responsible Tourism Awards, inviting changemakers worldwide to apply.

From Sri Lanka, Heritance Kandalama Hotel, Jetwing Vil Uyana, and the Heel Oya Community-Based Tourism (CBT) Village were recognised for their pioneering sustainability models.

Heritance Kandalama

Heritance Kandalama, the iconic Geoffrey Bawa-designed eco-hotel, received the Silver Award for Climate Adaptation and Resilience for its regenerative tourism model. The property’s long-term strategies to reduce environmental impact, enhance biodiversity, and engage with local communities were key factors in its success.

Jetwing Vil Uyana

Jetwing Vil Uyana was named a Finalist in the Nature Positive category, acknowledged for transforming degraded land into a thriving wetland ecosystem that now hosts over 300 species. Judges described it as a leading example of ecosystem regeneration and environmental education in the tourism industry.

Heel Oya CBT Village

Meanwhile, the Heel Oya CBT Village received Finalist recognition in the All-Inclusive Tourism category for empowering local communities through authentic travel experiences. The village integrates local agriculture, food traditions, trekking, and homestays, offering visitors an immersive cultural experience rooted in sustainability and inclusion.

Charmarie Maelge, Managing Director of ICRT Sri Lanka, described the achievement as a milestone for the nation’s tourism sector. “This is the 20th year of the Global Responsible Tourism Awards, and it’s a proud moment for Sri Lanka to have three winners. Their success highlights the country’s growing commitment to sustainable tourism and enhances our global reputation as a responsible and inclusive travel destination.”

With these recognitions, Sri Lanka continues to strengthen its standing as a global leader in responsible tourism, setting benchmarks for others in the region to follow.

The Department of Meteorology has issued an Amber advisory warning of severe lightning in several provinces and districts today (13).

According to the Department, thundershowers accompanied by intense lightning are expected in parts of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-Western Provinces, as well as in the Galle and Matara districts. Temporary strong gusty winds may also occur during thundershowers, it added.

The public is urged to take necessary precautions to minimize the risk of injuries or property damage caused by lightning. Residents are advised to remain indoors during thunderstorms and avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations, and water bodies.

Authorities further caution against using wired telephones or electrical appliances during lightning activity.

For emergencies or assistance, the public is advised to contact their local disaster management authorities.

Sri Lanka’s public health sector is showing signs of mounting unrest, with two major doctors’ unions warning that continued government inaction could soon trigger nationwide protests—or even strikes.

Doctors’ Unions Voice Deep Frustration

Both the Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) and the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) have voiced growing frustration over what they describe as years of neglect, broken promises, and deteriorating working conditions across the healthcare system.

Unmet Promises and Unresolved Grievances

The AMS stated that medical specialists have faced “decades of unresolved injustices,” including unfair service placements, salary disparities, and inadequate facilities for professional development. The association accused the government of failing to deliver on key commitments made in the 2026 Budget, such as revising transport allowances and introducing fair overtime payments.

“Not a single promise has materialised,” the AMS said, adding that calls for Sri Lankan doctors abroad to return home “ring hollow when those serving here are continuously overlooked.”

Free Health System Under Strain

Meanwhile, the GMOA warned that the country’s free healthcare system is at a “critical stage,” with hospitals grappling with shortages of staff, medicines, and essential equipment.

The union said it had repeatedly raised these concerns with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, and Treasury officials, but claimed that no tangible action had been taken.

Amid rising tension, doctors nationwide are reportedly considering collective action. Unless swift solutions are found, Sri Lanka may soon face another wave of strikes—this time from the very professionals working to sustain its health system.

However, addressing Parliament, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the government remains ready and open to dialogue with the doctors’ unions to resolve their grievances.

Colombo Additional Magistrate Lahiru Silva today issued a warrant for the arrest of the former Executive Director of the National Lotteries Board (NLB), Thusitha Halloluwa for failure to appear before the court over an incident involving a false complaint.

Halloluwa allegedly filed a complaint claiming that a group of people had opened fire on the vehicle he was travelling in in the Narahenpita area.

The suspect failed to appear in court when the case was called today, said Ada Derana reporter.

Accordingly, the Magistrate ordered the issuance of a warrant for his arrest and production before the court.

(Source : adaderana.lk)

The newly-launched Sarvajana Trust – a fresh independent fund dedicated to empowering women and youth across Sri Lanka was officially inaugurated last week in Colombo. The high-profile event gathered ambassadors, business leaders, entrepreneurs and supporters of the affiliated Sarvajana Balaya, led by MP Dilith Jayaweera.

The Trust aims to channel funding, mentorship and other key resources into grassroots entrepreneurship, by operating through local-government-level “Sarvajana Sabha” units embedded in communities.

In his keynote address, Jayaweera declared a break with conventional politics, stating: “We are stepping away from conventional politics. Our belief has always been in an entrepreneurial nation… Our focus is on creating wealth for Sri Lankans, which is the most important factor in building a happier and more hopeful future.”

He framed the Trust as a tool to turn human capital into economic assets: “By motivating our people, we convert liabilities into assets. The Sarvajana Trust is a tool that will activate real change and set the stage for an entrepreneurial state.” He described the initiative as rooted in patriotism, empathy and accountability, inviting all Sri Lankans to join “making a positive, enduring and impactful difference.”

Other speakers stressed governance. Trustee and Secretary Ranjan Seneviratne emphasised transparency and accountability as pillars of the fund’s operations. National Organiser Dilum Amunugama added that disbursements will target “deserving individuals at the community level especially those with the drive and potential to uplift themselves and initiate transformation from the ground up.”

On the one hand, the creation of the Sarvajana Trust holds genuine promise for Sri Lanka’s economy. By directing funds toward women and youth entrepreneurs, it addresses two critical gaps: one, the under-utilised human capital in the country; and two, the need to develop more diversified economic activity beyond traditional sectors. According to studies, supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can generate employment and income growth which in turn bolsters income tax compliance and broader economic resilience.

Moreover, the fund’s localised “Sabha” framework may improve targeting and speed of support, reducing bureaucratic delays that typically hamper public-sector entrepreneurship programmes. In an environment where the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has recently signalled strong support for MSME revival through directed relief measures via commercial banks, the timing is apt.

However, there are significant risks to consider.

First, the sustainability of such a fund depends on clear funding sources and robust governance systems. Without long-term capital and well-defined oversight, the initiative could become just another state-related promise with limited follow-through. The emphasis on transparency is important but needs concrete structures.

 

Second, if funds are distributed without proper risk management – e.g., weak vetting of entrepreneurs, inadequate follow-up, or lack of performance measurement – the economic return may be low while fiscal cost mounts.

 

Third, in a context where Sri Lanka’s public finances remain under stress, any new funding initiative must avoid adding undue burden or diverting resources from essential infrastructure and debt servicing.

 

From the regulatory perspective, the Central Bank has increasingly flagged systemic risks in unregulated financial activities, urging stronger frameworks.

While the Trust is not a microfinance institution per se, the lesson is clear: even well-intentioned funds must adhere to proper governance, transparency, and alignment with broader financial stability

While the Central Bank has not specifically commented on the Sarvajana Trust, its published guidance and relief programmes suggest that supporting entrepreneurship is aligned with national policy priorities. The June 2025 circular encouraging banks to provide relief to SMEs underscores this orientation.

The Trust’s model channelled funds, mentorship, community-level engagement – can deliver public benefit if executed well: greater economic inclusion, more empowered youth and women, and a broader base of productive activity.

The Sarvajana Trust launches at a critical moment for Sri Lankan society and economy. If managed well, it could become a meaningful boost to grassroots entrepreneurship and a step toward inclusive growth. But success will hinge on strong governance, sustainable funding, measurable outcomes, and alignment with economic stability imperatives.

As Sri Lanka navigates its recovery and transformation, the Trust has potential— provided caution tempers ambition.