K.Venkateshwar.Rao

Lubricant demand volumes in Sri Lanka shrank 0.3 percent in 2018, while the sales value of those products rose 3.1 percent, according to a market report released recently by the industry’s regulator, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka. The country consumed 57,794 metric tons of finished lubes valued at 27.3 million Sri Lankan rupees (U.S. $152,000) last year, compared to 57,990 tons and Rs 26.5 million in 2017. Chevron Ceylon Ltd. remained the market leader, but its share of sales declined 2.5 percent to 21,571 tons, or 37 percent of demand. Its nearest competitor again was  Lanka IOC  – local subsidiary of  Indian Oil Corp. Ltd.  – whose share swelled 0.5 percent to 10,176 tons, or 17.6 percent.  Laugfs Holdings Ltd.  was third at 5,193 tons for 9 percent, up from 7.7 percent in 2017. Automotive lubricants accounted for 74 percent of demand, and sales of that category rose 1 percent during 2018. Industrial lubricants constituted 16 percent of demand and marine lubri

POLITICS   / K.Venkateshwar. Rao  25 AUGUST 2019     With the abrogation of Article 370 the Narendra Modi lead BJP government has reversed the ambiguous stand of erstwhile governments over Jammu and Kashmir and moved ahead for the integration of the state in India. The government move has enthused a large section of the people of India but has caused dissatisfaction among the people of  Jammu and Kashmir  due to the loss of their unique identity. Though locals primarily Hindus and Muslim traders welcomed revocation of the special status but have expressed apprehensions that a massive influx of other state people would aggravate unemployment situations in the Jammu & Kashmir. The majority of Muslim populace of the state views the action as loss of their identity. Some said, “It seems the move is aimed at changing the demography of Kashmir.” Womenfolk of the state seemed to be in favor of the decision as the repeal of Article 370 restores their citizenship and o