Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe

Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe provided assurances regarding gas supply security, stating that Sri Lanka's suppliers source gas from the Southern African region and have provided written guarantees of uninterrupted supply for the year. He cautioned against spreading fear or inciting public panic over gas or fuel shortages, acknowledging global supply pressures while asserting that the government has the situation under control.

## Summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe opened by addressing the geopolitical context of the debate, stating the Government's opposition to state subjugation and its concern for the welfare of over one million Sri Lankans working in the Middle East amid the expanding regional conflict. He called on world leaders to intervene to end the war. Turning to domestic economic matters, the Minister rebutted the Opposition Leader's claims about rising poverty by citing Official Poverty Line data from the Department of Census and Statistics, arguing that the decline in the poverty line from Rs. 17,014 in 2024 to Rs. 16,730 in January 2026 indicates stabilising inflation rather than worsening poverty conditions. On energy security, the Minister provided detailed figures on LPG procurement and distribution, stating that 380,000 metric tons of gas have been contracted for the current year, with sufficient monthly supplies arranged through multiple vessels and agreements with suppliers, including an additional 10,000 MT permitted through Hambantota. He urged the public not to create panic over gas or fuel shortages, asserting that daily distribution capacity has been increased from 1,200 MT to 1,800 MT and that supply arrangements are in place to meet demand.

## Summary Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe addressed concerns raised by the Opposition regarding a domestic gas supply shortage, clarifying that the state supplier Litro received 18,078 MT of its 28,000 MT February allocation, with three remaining shipments scheduled for the 22nd, 26th, and 28th of February. He attributed the immediate shortage to a temporary supply disruption from the private sector supplier (covering approximately 20% of the market), which caused consumers to divert to Litro and triggered panic buying. In response, the Government announced a 25% increase in Litro's daily distribution from 1,100–1,200 MT to 1,500 MT for three days to cover the deficit, while the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has directed the private company to urgently supply its own customers and has indicated it will pursue legal action if the company fails to comply. The Minister sought to reassure the public that no systemic shortage exists and that the Government will intervene if the private supplier does not cooperate.

Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe briefly explained that the tender process for a supply contract was conducted on the basis of lowest price, and that a private company responsible for supplying approximately 20% of the contracted amount failed to meet its obligations. He indicated that as a result, demand shifted to the other supplier, and assured the House that the matter is being resolved, with further action to be taken against the non-compliant supplier if tender conditions continue to be violated.

Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe attributed a recent gas shortage to LAUGFS's failure to supply the market, while Litro continued its distribution, causing LAUGFS customers to create excess demand on Litro's supply. In response, the government is releasing 1,500 MT of gas per day for three consecutive days — described as an unprecedented level — to address the supply gap. The Minister also warned that regulatory action would be taken against the company if it fails to comply with government directives.

Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe addressed concerns about a gas shortage, asserting that no actual shortage exists and attributing consumer difficulties primarily to LAUGFS cylinder users. He stated that LAUGFS had been directed to cease misleading consumers and resume distribution immediately, and accused certain parties of fabricating a shortage narrative to create public panic. The Minister offered to provide nationwide distribution data and announced that daily distribution records of gas companies would be published, pledging that the government would not permit a shortage to develop.

The Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development responded to concerns raised by the Leader of the Opposition regarding gas shortages and queues, attributing the crisis primarily to LAUGFS Gas pausing its distribution for two to three weeks, which caused its customers to seek Litro cylinders and created excess demand. The Minister outlined that Litro, which holds approximately 80–82% market share, would increase daily distribution from its normal 1,000–1,200 metric tons to approximately 1,500 metric tons over the following three days to alleviate queues. He further noted that two supply ships are scheduled to arrive on Sunday and Tuesday, and that the Consumer Affairs Authority has directed LAUGFS to resume distribution and serve its customers. The Minister sought to reassure Parliament that supply was being stabilised through increased Litro output and imminent shipments.

The Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development acknowledged that problems have arisen at economic centres under his Ministry, citing procurement guideline violations, unresolved audit queries regarding disbursed funds, and accountability gaps due to staff turnover among responsible officers and District Secretaries. He indicated that a written clarification would be provided to address what he described as misunderstandings. The Minister announced the formal establishment of National Agri Market Services Limited (NAMS Ltd.), with a Board of Directors appointed in accordance with Cabinet approval and qualifying criteria consistent with other state institutions, tasked with properly managing the country's economic centres.

Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe outlined the governance and operational framework for the newly established National Agri Market Services Limited, clarifying that the institution will serve traders, farmers, and consumers without interfering in commercial activity. He addressed concerns about shop tenure, confirming that existing operators will retain their premises under continuing rent agreements, renewed in five-year periods with rent revisions every three years based on Government Valuation. A management committee comprising district and divisional officials, traders' and farmers' associations, police, and a bank representative has been established to oversee the centres, and the Minister indicated that the committee will not be impeded by unfounded objections aimed at undermining the institution.

Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe defended the establishment of National Agri Market Services Limited, asserting it was created with proper Cabinet approval and has no legal irregularities, while accusing certain traders of spreading misinformation to Opposition MPs to undermine the initiative. He outlined the company's governance structure, noting that directors are appointed through the Treasury Secretary in the standard manner for State companies. The Minister highlighted specific malpractices at existing economic centres as justification for the new entity, citing examples such as shop spaces being leased to a commercial bank, individuals holding multiple shops, subletting, and the alleged sale of two State-owned shops in Dambulla for approximately Rs. 50 million and Rs. 75 million respectively. He stated the company's purpose is to bring Sri Lanka's 18 economic centres—currently operating inconsistently—under a unified operational and decision-making framework.