• Sector to get 10 dedicated distribution centres in about a month
• SLTDA says will enter into PPPs to ensure a steady supply for industry
• Acknowledges current system needs improvement

By Shabiya Ali Ahlam

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) is in the midst of establishing 10 sites to disburse fuel exclusively to the tourism sector stakeholders, an effort taken toward improving the current distribution system.

Acknowledging there is room for improvement in the current system rolled out, given that the sector players are not receiving the required supply in full to cater to the itinerary of the tourists and also power standby generators, the SLTDA said a decision was made to step up efforts in this regard.

“We are in the middle of opening up multiple channels to improve the distribution. 

We have selected 10 sites that are under the ownership of the SLTDA to establish fuel distribution centres that are exclusively for the tourism sector players,” SLTDA Chairman Priyantha Fernando told Mirror Business.

Plans are afoot to open the centres in about a month, added Fernando.

Some of the locations selected for the distribution sites are Bandarawela, Kataragama and Anuradapura. Only the sites that have over 10 acres of land have been selected for the distribution facility.

The SLTDA will enter into public-private partnerships (PPPs) to procure the necessary fuel stocks to ensure the foreign exchange generating sector will receive the necessary supply to continue operations with minimum hindrance. 

At present, the tourism sector players have to make a request from the SLTDA for recommendation letters to procure fuel from the authorised locations. However, due to the limited availability of fuel for distribution in the country, the industry stakeholders are struggling to get hold of their requirements.

Industry sources shared with Mirror Business that they are disappointed with the current system, due to the delays caused in obtaining the recommendation letters from the SLTDA and having limited access to fuel. Fernando acknowledged the slowdown in the system and attributed the delay to the limited availability of fuel at the authorised sites.

“The letters are given only if we know that the particular authorised location has fuel. When we are made aware of a reduction in supply in that location, we do not issue the letters. 

We expect the shortage to prevail for at least another year, which is why we have been proactive in rolling out a plan to resolve the issues faced by the industry,” shared Fernando.