We will continue in LPG business - Ariyaseela

by Shirajiv Sirimane

Chairman of wound up Mundogas Lanka Ltd, Ariyaseela Wickramanayake said that they would continue to remain in the Liquid Petroleum Gas business since the infrastructure is in place.

The company had invested Rs. 250 million on a gas storage facility (barge) in the waters of the Galle harbour and even the tsunami has not damaged it. "Since this facility is still available we are planning to remain the business in the future as well," he said. He however said that there is a serious red tape problem at the Galle Port, which is hampering their operations.

"This is with regard to the unloading of gas and if the authorities can iron out this problem we would be back in business once again," he said.

The Mount Lavinia District Judge last Monday ordered to wind up operations of Mundogas Lanka Ltd. Wickramanayake said that this is only a temporary set back and they would continue.

He said that when they introduced Mundogas it revolutionised the industry. "We provided the cylinder free which forced the multi- national gas companies to lower their price of a cylinder from Rs. 3500 to Rs. 1500. Even the gas prices were lower for the first time during this period.

He assured that since they issued the cylinder free neither their dealers nor the consumers would have to face any problems.

Director General Consumer Protection Authority, Lal Abeygunaratne said that if Mundogas completely shut their operations it would have an impact in the market.

"When a company pulls out competition is less and it is bad for the consumer on the long run," he said.