News
Delays in unloading fuel cost state coffers dear: Unionist
Latest payment over USD 1 mn for diesel, petrol carrying ships
Bowser owners call off strike after receiving 30 percent increase
By Shamindra Ferdinando
The cash-strapped government has to pay over USD 1 mn as demurrage for the delay in unloading two shiploads of diesel and petrol (92 and 95).
Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) trade union convenor Ananda Palitha yesterday (02) said that the government owed an explanation regarding the unbelievable waste of funds at a time the country was seeking IMF’s intervention and assistance from China, India and other major powers.
Palitha said that two consignments had been supplied by Vitol Asia (Singapore) Pvt. Ltd., in terms of an agreement with the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC). In late Oct 2021, the CPC awarded contracts to supply diesel and petrol (both 92 and 95) from January 2022 to August 2022 to Vitol Asia (Singapore) Pvt Ltd.
Responding to questions, Ananda Palitha said that the unloading of the vessel Swarna Pushp carrying diesel began over the weekend, following 31 days at sea, due to Sri Lanka’s failure to make the required payment. For 31 days demurrage could amount to USD 558,000. The final payable amount would be much higher as demurrage was applicable to the unloading period, Palitha said. The oil products tanker is plying under the Indian flag.
According to the SJB activist, another vessel, Torm Adventurer, which arrived on March 28 carrying 38,000 mt of petrol 92 and 95 was yet to begin unloading. Sri Lanka now owed the vessel over USD 600,000 as demurrage fees for 34 days delay in unloading.
Palitha said that everyday an additional USD 18,000 was added to the total amount.
Energy Ministry Secretary K.D.R. Olga and CPC Chairman Sumith Wijesinha were not immediately available for comment.
Palitha said that Parliament should take up the issue.
Palitha emphasised that the CPC should have explored the possibility of bringing in two shipments in terms of the USD 500 mn Indian credit line instead of scheduling supplies from Vitol Asia (Singapore) Pvt. Ltd., if the Treasury was so desperate.
Commenting on the strike launched by the tanker owners’ association over the last weekend demanding an increase in transport costs taking into consideration increase in the price of spare parts, service charges et al, Palitha said that the new Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera instead of initiating a dialogue had simply dismissed the association’s plea.
The association asked for a 60 percent increase though finally the two parties agreed for a 30 per cent increase. The association immediately called off the strike.
Palitha said that the Energy Ministry had given in quickly as it realised contrary to claims of urgent counter measures, the government didn’t have the wherewithal to maintain the distribution network. The trade union activist said that the association members operated 600 bowsers whereas the government didn’t have even 70 bowsers at its disposal.
The strike resulted in serious disruption to fuel supply countrywide as pressure mounted on the government to settle the political crisis.
Prof. Charitha Herath, Chairman of the Committee of Public Enterprises (COPE) assured that his outfit would soon inquire into payment of demurrage fees. Lawmaker Herath gave the assurance when The Island raised the issue with him.
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo welcomed the U.S. Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, former National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players Stephen Howard and Astou Ndiaye, from June 8 through 14.
The Public Diplomacy section of the U.S. Embassy said that it would launch a weeklong basketball program intended to harness the unifying power of sports, made possible through collaboration with Foundation of Goodness and IImpact Hoop Lab.
While in Sri Lanka, Howard and Ndiaye, both retired professional basketball players, will conduct a weeklong program, Hoops for Hope: Bridging Borders through Basketball. The Sports Envoys will lead basketball clinics and exhibition matches and engage in leadership sessions in Colombo and Southern Province for youth aged 14-18 from Northern, Uva, Eastern and Western Provinces, offering skills and leadership training both on and off the court. The U.S. Envoys will also share their expertise with the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation, national coaches, and players, furthering the development of basketball in the country. Beyond the clinics, they will collaborate with Sri Lankan schoolchildren to take part in a community service project in the Colombo area.
“We are so proud to welcome Stephen and Astou as our Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, to build on the strong people-to-people connections between the United States and Sri Lanka,” said U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung. “The lessons that will be shared by our Sports Envoys – communication, teamwork, resilience, inclusion, and conflict resolution – are essential for leadership development, community building, equality, and peace. The U.S. Sports Envoy program is a testament to our belief that sports can be a powerful tool in promoting peace and unity.”
SJB Colombo District MP Mujibur Rahuman in parliament demanded to know from the government the reasons for CEB suspending the leave of all its employees until further notice from Thursday.
MP Rahuman said that the CEB has got an acting General Manager anew and the latter yesterday morning issued a circular suspending leave of all CEB employees with immediate effect until further notice.
“We demand that Minister Kanchana Wijesekera should explain this to the House. This circular was issued while this debate on the new Electricity Amendment Bill was pending. There are many who oppose this Bill. The Minister must tell parliament the reason for the urge to cancel the leave of CEB employees,” the MP said.However, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena prevented Minister Wijesekera responding to the query and said that the matter raised by MP Rahuman was not relevant.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) successfully concluded the 8th Annual CIPM Symposium, which took place on 31st May 2024. Themed “Nurturing the Human Element—Redefining HRM in a Rapidly Changing World,” the symposium underscored the pivotal role of human resource management (HRM) in today’s dynamic global landscape. Since its inception in 1959, CIPM has been dedicated to advancing the HR profession through education, professional development, and advocacy, solidifying its position as Sri Lanka’s leading professional body for HRM.
Ken Vijayakumar, the President of the CIPM, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The symposium commenced with the welcome address by the Chairperson, Prof. Arosha Adikaram, followed by the Web Launch of the Symposium Proceedings and Abstract Book by the CIPM President. The event featured distinguished addresses, including a speech by Chief Guest Ken Vijayakumar, President of CIPM, and an address by Guest of Honor Shakthi Ranatunga, Chief Operating Officer of MAS Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Sri Lanka.
The symposium also featured an inspiring keynote address by Prof. Mario Fernando, Professor of Management and Director of the Centre for Cross Cultural Management (CCCM) at the University of Wollongong, Australia.
Vote of Thanks of the inauguration session was delivered by Dr. Dillanjani Weeratunga, Symposium Co-chair.
The symposium served as a comprehensive platform for researchers to present their findings across a wide range of critical topics in HRM. These included Cultural Diversity and Inclusion, Talent Development and Retention, Ethical Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility, Adapting to Technological Advancements, Mental Health and Well-being at Work, Global Workforce Challenges, Employee Empowerment, and Reskilling and Upskilling.
The plenary session was led by Prof. Wasantha Rajapakse. Certificates were awarded to the best paper presenters during the valedictory session, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Kamani Perera, Manager of Research and Development.
The annual symposium of CIPM was a truly inclusive event, attracting a diverse audience that spanned undergraduates, graduates, working professionals, research scholars and lecturers. This widespread interest highlights the symposium’s significance in the field of HRM, offering a unique opportunity for everyone to network and learn from scholarly brains.The CIPM International Research Symposium was sponsored by Hambantota International Port, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), E B Creasy & Co. PLC, and Print Xcel Company.
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
