Business
‘Litro Gas incurring heavy losses as a result of not revising prices’
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
Litro Gas is now in a position to refill and distribute Laugfs LPG gas cylinders provided proper legal clearance is made. Litro Gas is incurring heavy losses and is about to exhaust its reserves, because it has not revised its prices despite the high world market price, a senior gas industry source said.
“Litro Gas now has an over 80 percent market share in the domestic gas market and if requested could meet the total demand of LPG cylinders. There is no major technical/safety issue in refilling/ crossing filling Laugfs with Litro. However, there is a legal issue as the Laugfs cylinder is not our property, the source said.
“Litro has grown its strength and could easily move in to fulfill the total domestic LPG gas requirement, president, LP Gas Distributors Association Sathyendra Wijayapura told the Island Financial Review.
Wijayapura added: “Our association could take over Litro Gas Company by investing in it to supply gas in an uninterrupted manner in keeping with Litro’s former multinational company, Shell’s, business model. We have funds to invest in Litro Gas but also need to import another 150,000 cylinders to manage operations.
“Laugfs Gas commenced operations 20 years ago, initially as an auto gas alternative before moving in to
LPG. Today, the heavily debt- ridden company owns tankers and a large LPG storage facility at Hambantota, widely seen globally as a non-performing asset, but finds itself at the center of controversy, brought on by the fact that the common platform recommended for the LPG industry is allegedly favouring Laugfs.
“Laugfs was also given approval to increase the price of domestic gas with the Consumer Affairs Authority approving the price of a Laugfs 12.5kg cylinder to be increased. But Litro Gas has not revised its prices for the last two years and when the Litro Gas price was revised two years ago one metric ton of gas cost US $ 350 and now it has increased to US $ 800 in the international market.
“Therefore, Litro Gas Company is making operational losses due to the LPG price hike in the global market. However, as a responsible company it is not out to put additional pressure on the public and would not look for an immediate price hike.
“Subsequently, Laugfs Gas Chief Executive Chaminda Ediriwickreme was quoted as saying that they have placed an order for a shipment and expect to re-start operations in a small way on August 20. However, this is yet to be a reality.
“We also want to say that it’s not practical to merge with Laugfs forming a new company and we oppose this move taking into account long- term distributing implications.
“We thank former Treasury Secretary and current Presidential Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundara for initiating the takeover of 51% shares of Shell Gas, who opted to move out of Sri Lanka in 2011. Dr. Jayasundara obtained these shares by taking US$ 61 million from Sri Lanka Insurance and Litro in turn paid back this amount in four years justifying this acquisition.
“To date Litro has paid a dividend of Rs. 13.5 billion and also Rs. 34 billion in tax to the government and is now about to go bankrupt and has no funds to even place the next purchasing order.
“It must be noted that 35 per cent of the customers in Sri Lanka use LPG as cooking fuel. Another 52 per cent of customers use dual fuel, one of which is LPG. For these customers and the industrial segment who rely heavily on LPG, the way forward is uncertain.”
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
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