COLOMBO, January 15 (Xinhuanet) -- The Sri Lankan government will
liberalize the petroleum, energy and water sectors with the aim of
reaping the full benefits of the market economy through
competition, the official Daily News said on Tuesday.
   Minister of Economic Reform, Science and Technology Milinda
Moragoda said that the government was going to allow private
operators to market and create a framework of healthy competition
so that the consumers get the best product at the most competitive
prices.
   Until now the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, the Ceylon
Electricity Board and National Water Supply and Drainage Board
which enjoyed monopolies suffered astronomical losses, he said.
   The minister said that the private sector will be encouraged to
enter the market but will have to operate under a regulatory
framework.
   Citizens living below the poverty line will be subsidized with
both water and electricity, he said.
   The minister said that the government was planing a sweeping
reforms program of divestiture and restructuring most state
enterprises.  Enditem