Dialog Axiata PLC on the invitation of Ministry of Power and Energy and Ministry of Tourism partnered Sampath Bank PLC, to launch the Tourist Fuel Pass (TFP) that would enable tourists visiting Sri Lanka to obtain fuel without the standard quota restrictions. The TFP is a NFC-based stored value card that can be purchased on foreign currency at any Sampath Bank outlet. The Tourist Fuel Pass is powered by the Touch Fuel Platform developed by MilleniumIT ESP and accessible at selected Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (Ceypetco) and Lanka IOC (LIOC) fuel stations island-wide.

 Dialog Axiata was licensed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka as an Issuer of Payment Cards to facilitate issuance of single purpose stored value Tourist Fuel Pass cards. The Touch Fuel solution is available across 300 CPC and LIOC outlets and will be expanded to over 500 outlets by end-October 2022. Tourists can purchase the Tourist Fuel Pass for USD 5/- at any of the 229 Sampath Bank branches island-wide, including the outlet at the airport arrival. Tourists can access https://fuelpass.gov.lk/touristpass for additional information and contact the 24-hour hotline on 1393 for any card related queries. The Tourist Fuel Pass will be allowed a minimum of USD 50/- and a maximum of USD 300/- top-up value that can be paid in any accepted foreign currency, which will then be converted to LKR equivalent on the day’s prevailing forex rate and will be subject to a convenience fee deduction. The card is valid for 2 years from the date of activation. Further, any loss or damaged card can be replaced at any of the Sampath bank branches island-wide.

Commenting, Hon. Kanchana Wijesekera, Minister of Power and Energy said, “We are pleased to introduce the Tourist Fuel Pass to encourage overseas visitors to Sri Lanka who may be concerned about availability of fuel for their travel within the country. We are grateful to Dialog Axiata PLC, Sampath Bank PLC and Dialog’s Technology partner MillenniumIT ESP, along with CPC and LIOC for enabling the launch of this platform. The Government of Sri Lanka is committed to creating a safe and comfortable environment for all visitors to our beautiful country and the launch of TFP is one such initiative in that direction”.

 Sharing his thoughts on the Tourist Fuel Pass, Hon. Harin Fernando, Minister of Tourism and Lands said “With the influx of visitors arriving in the country following the tourist season, I am pleased to see initiatives of this nature come to fruition. We have deep-seated confidence in this platform as it is powered by Dialog Axiata and Sampath Bank, two of the leaders in new technology & innovation. I must also acknowledge the efforts taken by MIT, Ceypetco and Lanka IOC for facilitating the launch of the Tourist Fuel Pass. We must all come together to showcase the beautiful nation that we all love as the accommodating, hospitable, ultimate travel destination that it is, and I am grateful to all those present on this occasion who have done so”.

Speaking about the initiative, Supun Weerasinghe, Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata PLC said, “We are thankful to the Ministry of Power and Energy and the Ministry of Tourism and Lands for their continued efforts and collaboration with the private sector to utilize digital platforms that would overcome challenges and accelerate growth. We are pleased to facilitate the ‘Tourist Fuel Pass’ solution and are thankful to our partners Sampath Bank, MIT, Ceypetco and Lanka IOC for enabling the launch of TFP on time for the upcoming tourist season”.

 Sharing his thoughts on the partnership, Nanda Fernando, Managing Director of Sampath Bank PLC said “We at Sampath Bank are pleased to collaborate with Dialog Axiata PLC and Ceylon Petroleum Corporation on this new initiative as the exclusive banking partner for the new Tourist Fuel Pass. Introducing this scheme, guarantees an influx of foreign currency to the country as well as brings forth convenience and availability of fuel for tourists to travel around the island. As we thrive to support our country during these uncertain times, we are privileged to be on board with this project and to revive our nation”.

 Expressing his thoughts, Susantha de Silva, Managing Director, CPC said, “Ceylon Petroleum Corporation takes pride in having been able to energize the future tourism industry by timely initiating the Tourist Fuel Pass in collaboration with all stakeholders. It has been a challenge but a joy to explore practical and user-friendly avenues to make tourists feel unburdened and carefree during their stay in our beautiful island. We are grateful to all the entities which held hands with Ceylon Petroleum Corporation in this journey to launch a Tourist Fuel Pass. I sincerely wish that this measure will drive the future tourism industry into a new phase and open new doors to uplift the country’s economy.”

 Commenting, Manoj Gupta, Managing Director of LIOC said, “Atithidevo Bhava-A guest is akin to God. We are delighted to collaborate with Dialog Axiata PLC, Sampath Bank PLC and Dialog’s Technology partner Millennium IT ESP for this much awaited launch of Tourist Fuel Pass, that offers tourists fuel assurance at all LIOC sheds. As the travel and hospitality sector is witnessing increasing demand once again, we believe this Tourist Fuel Pass is coming at the right time for tourists looking at resuming their travel and enjoying their holidays in our island nation”.

 Speaking about the initiative, Shevan Goonetilleke, CEO of MillenniumIT ESP said, “We are pleased to be a part of this great initiative in facilitating the ‘Tourist Fuel Pass’ that will contribute towards encouraging travelers to visit Sri Lanka despite the ongoing crisis. This platform launch was made possible by the incredible partnership between public and private sector companies, The Ministry of power and energy, The Ministry of Tourism and lands, Dialog Axiata PLC, Sampath Bank PLC, Ceypetco, and Lanka IOC. And this is just another example of how technology can rapidly create ecosystems to mitigate a national crisis.”