08th May 2024, Mabima, Sapugaskande – Litro Gas, Sri Lanka’s national LPG provider, ceremonially commissioned its state-of-the-art refurbished and upgraded storage and bottling facility at Mabima, Sapugaskande today. The ceremony was presided over by the Chief of Staff & National Security Advisor to the President, Hon. Sagala Rathnayaka. Recognized as one of the largest in the region, the Mabima facility reinforces Litro Gas’s commitment to operational excellence and national energy security.
Commissioned in 1984 during Colombo Water & Gas Company, the Mabima Filling Plant has been completely refurbished after 40 years to meet international operation and safety standards, enhancing efficiency. The refurbishment and upgrading of the Mabima facility, which cost a little over Rs. 1 billion, will ensure bottling and distribution efficiency for another 10 to 15 years for the country. Mabima will play a vital role alongside the Kerawalapitiya plant, reducing dependency on the Kerawalapitiya filling plant, which was commissioned in 2014.
Mr. Muditha Pieris, Chairman/CEO of Litro Gas, stated, “Just as much as it was important to deliver an LPG cylinder that was extremely safe, it was important to safeguard the supply & distribution of LPG to our customers without any interruption. During my tenure from 2015 to 2019, over two million households were converted to LPG from firewood, significantly increasing domestic LPG usage in the country. With the market share being increased from about 73% to 85%, it is important to ensure an uninterrupted supply of LPG to the community. This upgrade allows Litro Gas to manage a seamless LPG delivery process across the country, ensuring uninterrupted supply to its customers. It is noteworthy that the cost of Refurbishing & Upgrading was done without any financial support or loan from an external party but with only the organization’s finances. Furthermore, it was with the participation of the whole Litro team that this was able to realize the project with the contribution of our own engineers at Litro & contribution of a few international experts. The project, originally planned in 2016, saw its finances secured in 2018 and was supposed to be commissioned in 2020. However, due to the prevailing political landscape, the commissioning was delayed, even though all necessary machinery was secured by early 2020. Reigniting the process for machinery, which was idle for two and a half years, was quite a task, as it entailed the infusion of new technology and expertise.”
Litro Gas has demonstrated dedication to national welfare, distributing 2.2 million gas cylinders within 20 days during the economic challenges of 2022, mitigating shortages, and bolstering national resilience. The refurbishment of the Mabima facility reflects Litro Gas’s commitment to safety, with robust educational programs and public awareness campaigns.
Mabima will strengthen the supply and distribution along with Kerawalapitiya to fulfill the increasing demand for LPG in the country, creating jobs and export income. LPG is an essential commodity that fuels micro-entrepreneurs to extra-large industries in the country.
The commissioning of the Mabima facility signifies Litro Gas’s dedication to efficiency and operational excellence, ensuring a reliable LPG supply chain for the nation.