Business
PickMe proposes fuel supply for passenger transportation via a digital pool
If we are to prevent the catastrophe of Colombo and other main cities becoming ghost towns, we need to put in place a transparent and accountable fuel distribution system that will use the limited fuel stocks we have efficiently.
Zulfer Jiffry, CEO of PickMe says, the time has come for smart thinking. “The digitalisation of our systems can give us an edge in overcoming the crisis we are all facing today. To have a minimal level of transport, for an emergency, for work, or even to get about our day to day living like shopping for essentials, is an absolute need. But we are coming to the point where the whole system is gradually running dry which may cause the country to come to a complete standstill. It is an urgent necessity to have a sensible form of rationing at least until the next fuel ship comes in and in doing this, also ensure that distribution of fuel does not become part of black market racketeering. While mass transport can act as a base, it is essential to have a second level of public transport, and ride hailing taxis fit the bill perfectly.”
Many reports in social and mainstream media have said that there is an active petrol and diesel blackmarket operating in Sri Lanka and this does not ensure the efficient use of our minimum stocks. To meet urgent needs and prioritise emergencies, PickMe suggests that authorities try out a pilot programme where fuel supply for transport of passengers will be done via a digital pool. When certain quotas of fuel are given to the digitally operated transport system, it won’t be just for the use of private vehicles which cannot be accessed by the public transport system. If a policy is structured by the State where three-wheelers operating in the taxi hailing ecosystem are given a certain quota through their operators, the passenger transport in the city could be rationalised in an equitable manner.
“The digital platforms would monitor the movement of their vehicles under this program to ensure the proper and transparent use of this resource. For example if we take a figure of 10,000 three wheelers with an 80,000 litre quota, they can do approximately 200,000 trips around the city, moving around 400,000 passengers in a day. We can monitor this through our software to ensure accuracy and transparency and can even be subject to an audit. The system we propose will be directly tied to the amount of mileage our tuks do, and if we find the set criteria is not met, then we would immediately take those drivers off the system. It is necessary to look at systems such as this to operate in the 4 main provinces, in order to keep the provincial GDPs on an even keel, which is a dire need right now, and transport is a very important part in achieving this,” Jiffry says.
The GDP of provinces is the index that shows whether the economy is thriving or not, therefore, an order of priority to provide fuel for these provinces is required. A breakdown of economic activities in the provinces need to be looked at, in order to literally fuel the economy with the limited stocks of petrol and diesel available.
The obvious choice to top the charts would be the western province, which has the largest share in the pie (refer Figure 1). According to a Central Bank report in December 2021, the western province contributes 38% of the national GDP and this is over one third of the overall economy of Sri Lanka. Key to the western province’s economic activity are services and industry, both of which involve heavy consumption of fuel. The report says the western province has pioneered industry activities with a contribution of 44.6 percent. In terms of services, the western province recorded the highest contribution of 39.3 percent (refer Table 1) and if the Western province is taken by itself, 61.7% of its economic activities are in the service sector (refer Figure 2).
“Given this, how we need to prioritise fuel distribution is clear. The western province has to come first overall; and if we are prioritising industry, then the central province comes second and the north-western province third. If we are prioritising services, the central and southern provinces will come second and third, respectively,” says Jiffry.
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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