Sunday Times 2
Unrestricted access to fuel for tourists
View(s):Dialog Axiata PLC, on the invitation of Ministry of Power and Energy and Ministry of Tourism, partnered with 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.
(L-R) Susantha de Silva – CPC, Mohamed Uvais – CPC, Shevan Goonetilleke – MillenniumIT ESP, Renuka Fernando – Dialog Axiata PLC, Ayodhya Iddawela Perera – Sampath Bank, Mapa Pathirana – Ministry of Power and Energy, Supun Weerasinghe – Dialog Axiata, Kanchana Wijesekera – Minister Power and Energy, Harin Fernando – Minister Tourism and Lands, Indika Anuruddha – State Minister Power and Energy, D V Chanaka – State Minister Power and Energy, Manoj Gupta – LIOC, Chalaka Gajabahu – Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Lasantha Senaratne – Sampath Bank
To facilitate the issuance of the TFP, Dialog has been authorised to issue single purpose stored value cards. The Touch Fuel solution is available across 300 CPC and LIOC outlets and will be expanded to over 500 outlets by end-October. Tourists can purchase the TFP for USD 5 at any Sampath Bank branch, including at the airport. Tourists can access https://fuelpass.gov.lk/touristpass for additional information or contact the 24-hour hotline on 1393 for any card-related queries. The TFP 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. Any lost or damaged card can be replaced at Sampath Bank branches.
Kanchana Wijesekera, Minister of Power and Energy said: “We are pleased to introduce the TFP to encourage visitors to Sri Lanka who may be concerned about availability of fuel for their travel within the country.”
Harin Fernando, Minister of Tourism and Lands said: “We must all come together to showcase the beautiful nation that we all love as the accommodating, hospitable, ultimate travel destination that it is.”
Supun Weerasinghe, Group Chief Executive, 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 utilise digital platforms that would overcome challenges and accelerate growth.”