Sri Lanka Tourism ensures seamless travel with priority fuel and LPG access

Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe

Buddhika Hewawasam

•  Industry granted double quota
• For independent travelers and those utilising individual tourist vehicles, strict provisions have been made so they can completely bypass extensive waits at the pumps
• Special QR code issued for the fuel needs of hotel generators
• Industry given firm assurances of a continuous supply of LP gas to keep restaurant and hotel kitchens fully operational across the island

By Nishel Fernando

Fearing a possible fuel shortage stemming from the ongoing Middle East conflict, the government has introduced a national fuel quota for vehicles.

However, in a decisive move to protect the country’s hospitality sector, tourism officials have rolled out a dedicated priority fuel system and assured an uninterrupted supply of LP gas, in an effort to guarantee a comfortable and seamless travel experience for international visitors.

During a special press briefing held in Colombo yesterday, the Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe  alongside Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam, revealed special access mechanisms designed to allow industry stakeholders to obtain fuel and LPG hassle-free. 

Prof. Ranasinghe announced that under this special access, the tourism industry is permitted to receive double the fuel quota allocated to standard motor vehicles, ensuring tour operations and transport services remain heavily shielded from the national rationing.

Explaining the swift implementation of these relief measures, Hewawasam noted that a dedicated QR code mechanism has been tailored specifically for the sector to address its immediate energy requirements. 

“With the crisis situation that has arisen in the tourism sector, we have formulated a mechanism for this. Under that formulated mechanism, over 121 entities have registered within a one-hour period,” he stated.

“We are issuing a special QR code for the fuel needs of hotel generators. Through a specific program, we are also providing the required fuel for all transport facilities needed by hotels and other tourism agencies to continue operations without hindrance.”

For independent travelers and those utilizing individual tourist vehicles, strict provisions have been made so they can completely bypass extensive waits at the pumps. Addressing the media, officials confirmed that formal directives have been issued to the Secretary to the Ministry of Energy to facilitate this streamlined process. 

“We have informed them in writing to check if they have their passport and a copy of their visa. Following that observation, we have notified them to provide the necessary facilities to get fuel based on a special characteristic, without them having to stay in long queues,” an official noted.

Coupled with these priority fuel lines and the double quota allocation, the industry has also been given firm assurances of a continuous supply of LP gas to keep restaurant and hotel kitchens fully operational across the island.

Officials emphasized that cultural, heritage, wildlife, and leisure sites remain entirely accessible and unaffected by the broader energy anxieties.

Furthermore, citing Ministry of Energy sources, Hewawasam noted that there is no requirement for power cuts, reinforcing the message that the industry is fully equipped to provide an uninterrupted and welcoming experience for all tourists currently in the country.

Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe