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Court of Appeal defers hearing of Suresh Sallay’s PTA challenge to 10 July

The Court of Appeal yesterday postponed further consideration of a writ petition filed by former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director Suresh Sallay seeking to invalidate a detention order issued under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) following his arrest by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The petition was taken up before a bench comprising Justices Rohantha Abeysooriya and Priyantha Fernando.

During the hearing, President’s Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardena, appearing for Sallay, made submissions outlining how the ideology of the ISIS terrorist organisation had operated within Sri Lanka, according to court proceedings.

After hearing the submissions, the Court directed that the matter be called again on 10 July for further arguments.

Sallay’s petition challenges the legality of the detention order issued under the PTA after his arrest, with the former intelligence chief seeking judicial intervention to have the order set aside.

The case is among a number of ongoing legal proceedings arising from investigations being conducted by the CID.

Ranil urges broader political unity as UNP focuses on rebuilding party machinery

Former President and United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has called for closer cooperation among political parties and forces to address future political challenges, as the party intensifies efforts to rebuild its organisational structure following recent electoral setbacks.

The remarks were made at a meeting of the UNP Working Committee held yesterday at the party’s political office on Flower Road, Colombo, under Wickremesinghe’s chairmanship. The meeting was attended by a majority of Working Committee members.

According to a statement issued by the UNP, members exchanged views on the party’s response to the current political environment and discussed measures aimed at revitalising the party organisation.

A key focus of the meeting was the implementation of programmes to rebuild the UNP’s organisational network and strengthen its political presence across the country. Members also deliberated on future engagement and coordination with other political parties, groups and organisations.

Addressing the meeting, Wickremesinghe emphasised the importance of political forces working collectively rather than in isolation when confronting future political challenges.

The Working Committee was also briefed on disciplinary measures taken against local government representatives who had acted contrary to party disciplinary rules. UNP General Secretary Talatha Athukorala presented details of the actions taken against those members.

Commenting on the outcome of the discussions, UNP Chairman Wajira Abeywardena said the meeting had engaged in extensive deliberations on rebuilding the party and strengthening coordination with other political parties, groups and organisations, resulting in several decisions being reached.

Five cleared for intense Kalangala Woman MP by-election race

The race to replace the late Hellen Nakimuli has officially taken shape after the Electoral Commission (EC) successfully cleared five candidates to contest in the upcoming Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament by-election.

The two-day nomination exercise concluded on Thursday at the district headquarters, setting the stage for what political analysts predict will be a fierce battle between the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), the National Unity Platform (NUP), and strategic independent candidates.

According to Ms. Harriet Kashagire, the Electoral Commission Returning Officer for Central South, six aspirants originally picked nomination forms, but only five successfully returned them to fulfill the requirements.

The final day of nominations saw Independent candidate Ms. Babirye Sharifa Kaala and Ms. Agnes Nasuuna getting cleared by the electoral body. They joined three other contenders who were nominated on Wednesday: Ms. Aidah Nabayiga (NRM), Ms. Irene Nampala (NUP), and another independent, Ms. Helen Flavia Nagawa.

The race features complex internal party dynamics. Ms. Kaala is known to be NUP-leaning but chose to run on an independent ticket after the party card went to Nampala. Similarly, Ms. Nagawa is an NRM-leaning independent who chose to stand after losing to Nabayiga in the party’s primary elections.

Ms Kaala’s decision to run as an independent could trigger internal disciplinary action from her parent party. Article 5, Section 5(c) of the NUP constitution explicitly provides for the automatic expulsion of members who contest against officially endorsed party candidates.

However, speaking shortly after her nomination on Thursday, Ms. Kaala remained defiant, noting that consultations with residents convinced her to stay in the race.

“I realized I am the suitable candidate to represent the people of Kalangala. Added to the consultations I made, I decided to stand as an independent candidate,” Ms. Kaala said. She pledged to focus on revitalizing the district’s tourism and fishing sectors. “Kalangala District is one of the top tourism destinations in Uganda. However, we need to uplift our image, especially in Kalangala Town Council, to attract more visitors.”

The candidates have drawn distinct battle lines, focusing on health, infrastructure, and the island’s delicate fishing economy.

Ms Aidah Nabayiga (NRM): Pledged to lobby the central government to elevate Kalangala Health Centre IV to a fully-fledged general hospital. “Kalangala needs a district hospital so that our people do not continue spending a lot of money seeking treatment on the mainland,” she noted.

Ms Irene Nampala (NUP): The sister of the deceased MP, Nampala promised to carry forward the torch of her late sibling. She emphasized operationalizing new fisheries regulations, ensuring a consistent supply of medicines in health facilities, and empowering women through organized economic groups.

Ms Helen Flavia Nagawa (Independent): Focused her platform on improving the island’s road network and advocating for marginalized groups.

“I will fight for the boy child who has been left behind as girls continue to receive empowerment opportunities,” Nagawa said, while also promising to advocate for silverfish (mukene) fishermen who face stringent regulatory bans.

As the official campaign window opens from June 12 to June 22, top party mobilizers have descended upon the islands to pitch camp, each projecting ultimate victory for the polling day slated for June 24.

The NRM National Mobiliser, Ms Rose Mary Sseninde, stated that the ruling party’s existing dominance in Kalangala’s local leadership structures gives them an undeniable mathematical advantage.

“The President is from NRM, Kalangala has two MPs from NRM, and the district chairperson is also from NRM. We remain with just the Woman MP seat to make it 100 percent NRM leadership. The NRM government works for the people of Kalangala,” Sseninde asserted.

Conversely, NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya defended the party’s choice of Ms. Nampala, stating that her selection was purely data-driven and backed by local demand.

“We sent our teams to the ground and the people of Kalangala requested us to front Irene Nampala. Although we have been given a short campaign period, we believe our message has already reached the people,” Rubongoya said.

The Kalangala Woman MP seat fell vacant following the tragic passing of the former area MP, Hellen Nakimuli, in April. Given the high stakes, the Electoral Commission has issued strong warnings against electoral violence.

Ms Kashagire assured the public that the EC has put in place all necessary measures to ensure a peaceful electoral process across the islands.

“Everybody has been involved to make sure we have a peaceful election. What happens is that there are people who violate the laws and begin to tussle with security personnel,” Ms. Kashagire warned, urging candidates and their supporters to report any grievances directly to the commission rather than taking matters into their own hands.

Mr Rubongoya echoed the call for civility, expressing hope for an election free of the violence and intimidation that has marred previous by-elections in the country.

Silent revolution of Azerbaijan’s structural economic shift

The shifting structural baseline of Azerbaijan’s economy has long been a focal point for macroeconomic analysis, particularly within the context of resource dependence and the volatile trajectories of global energy markets. For decades, the dominant discourse surrounding post-Soviet petrostates assumed an almost inescapable vulnerability to the “resource curse”-a condition characterized by hyper-dependence on hydrocarbon exports, structural stagnation in non-resource sectors, and acute exposure to external commodity price shocks. However, recently disclosed macroeconomic indicators regarding the composition of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) suggest that a profound and structurally significant realignment is underway, shifting the country’s economic gravity away from its traditional extractive foundations.

According to the latest official statistical disclosures, the non-oil and gas sector now commands more than 71 percent-specifically 71.5 percent-of the national economy. This leaves the entire hydrocarbon complex responsible for less than 30 percent of aggregate GDP. To appreciate the magnitude of this structural evolution, one must contextualize these figures within a broader historical horizon. Approximately two decades ago, the non-oil sector struggled to reach even 45 percent of the economic output, fluctuating heavily around the 43.5 to 43.6 percent threshold. This long-term trajectory reveals a deliberate, systematic expansion of the non-extractive economy rather than a temporary or cyclical fluctuation. It indicates that the long-term strategic frameworks aimed at economic diversification have begun to yield quantifiable institutional success, establishing a more balanced macroeconomic framework.

This transition becomes even more remarkable when analyzed against the backdrop of the severe macroeconomic disruptions that have punctuated the country’s modern economic history. The most notable of these disruptions was the profound devaluation shock experienced a decade ago, triggered by the collapse of global crude prices. For a resource-reliant economy, a sharp currency devaluation typically induces a severe contraction in domestic demand, strains the banking sector, and disrupts fiscal planning. In many historical precedents across the developing world, such monetary shocks have derailed diversification efforts, forcing states to double down on emergency resource extraction to stabilize foreign exchange reserves. Yet, the newly highlighted data demonstrates that despite weathering these deep structural shocks, the underlying trajectory of economic transformation remained intact. The institutional resilience built into the economic model allowed the non-oil sector not merely to survive the crisis, but to eventually emerge as the primary driver of aggregate economic volume.

The implications of a 71.5 percent non-oil share in GDP extend far beyond mere statistical milestones; they signal a fundamental shift in the risk profile of the domestic market. A diversified economic structure reduces systemic vulnerability to the boom-and-bust cycles inherent to the global oil trade. When the domestic economy is driven by a multifaceted mix of agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, digital technology, and services, it creates a robust cushion against external sector volatility. This structural buffer is particularly critical in the current global economic landscape, where the accelerating transition toward renewable energy and shifting geopolitical alliances make long-term fossil fuel demand increasingly unpredictable. By reducing the hydrocarbon footprint to less than a third of total economic output, the nation positions itself more securely within the evolving global division of labor.

Furthermore, this structural realigning alters the nature of capital accumulation and employment within the country. While the oil and gas industry is notoriously capital-intensive but labor-light, the non-oil sector-comprising manufacturing, construction, transport, and services-is highly labor-intensive and capable of generating sustainable, widespread employment. Consequently, a GDP dominated by the non-oil sector fosters a healthier, more inclusive economic ecosystem where wealth generation is distributed across a broader spectrum of industries. This, in turn, stimulates domestic consumption and drives internal investment, creating a self-sustaining economic loop that relies less on state-led, resource-funded expenditure.

Ultimately, the latest data underscores a vital paradigm shift. The narrative of an economy completely bound to the whims of the oil ticker is increasingly obsolete. While the hydrocarbon sector undoubtedly remains a critical source of foreign exchange and strategic fiscal reserves, it no longer dictates the absolute boundaries of domestic economic production. The journey from a 43.5 percent non-oil share to a commanding 71.5 percent demonstrates that structural adaptation is not only possible for a resource-abundant nation, but that it can be sustained through periods of intense macroeconomic duress. As these non-extractive sectors continue to mature and integrate into regional supply chains, the overarching economic architecture will likely gain even greater autonomy from the energy cycle, cementing a new era of diversified, resilient growth.

CoPF grills CBSL over Rs. 13.2 b NDB fraud as forensic audit covers 10 years

The Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) earlier this week subjected the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) to intense scrutiny over the Rs. 13.2 billion fraud at National Development Bank PLC (NDB), with lawmakers questioning supervisory lapses, governance failures, and whether warning signs were overlooked despite the steady build-up of suspicious balances in the bank’s accounts.

Appearing before the Committee chaired by Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dr. Harsha de Silva, CBSL Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe and senior officials provided an update on the independent forensic audit being conducted by Deloitte India and outlined measures taken to safeguard the bank’s stability.

The CBSL said fieldwork commenced on 2 May and an interim report is expected next week, while the final report is scheduled to be submitted on 18 July. The audit is expected to establish the nature and root cause of the fraud, examine the modus operandi, verify the loss amount, analyse financial transactions, and review internal systems, ledgers, and controls.

A significant portion of the hearing focused on the scope of the investigation. CoPF members questioned why NDB had participated in drafting the terms of reference despite being the institution under investigation.

CBSL officials clarified that while an initial draft had been prepared through the bank for procurement purposes, the regulator ultimately determined the scope and inserted all substantive requirements.

‘The mandate and scope were defined by the CBSL,’ Dr. Weerasinghe said, noting that the final authority over the audit framework rested with the CBSL.

The Committee also sought an explanation for the decision to extend the forensic review period to a decade.

The CBSL responded that the employee alleged to be at the centre of the fraud had worked in the reconciliation and transaction-input functions for more than nine years, making a 10-year review necessary to determine whether similar irregularities had occurred previously.

Lawmakers then turned their attention to the issue that has become central to the case: the unusually large balances recorded as receivables linked to Customer Electronic Fund Transfer (CEFT) transactions.

LankaPay CEO Channa de Silva explained that CEFT operates as a real-time interbank payment system where customer accounts are debited and credited immediately, while settlements between banks are completed through periodic net settlement cycles via the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system.

Under normal operating conditions, settlements are completed within hours, with longer delays occurring mainly over weekends and public holidays. Committee members questioned how balances reportedly rising from around Rs. 3 billion to more than Rs. 12 billion could accumulate under such a framework without attracting greater scrutiny.

One member observed that, based on LankaPay’s explanation, a balance of Rs. 13.2 billion within what is effectively a short settlement cycle appeared difficult to understand.

The CBSL acknowledged that the increase in ‘other financial assets’ had been identified during supervisory reviews and that inquiries had been made with NDB. However, officials maintained that banking supervision is fundamentally prudential in nature and does not involve transaction-level auditing.

‘We conduct prudential supervision and not transaction audit or forensic audit,’ a CBSL official told the Committee, adding that responsibility for transaction verification primarily rests with the Board of Directors, Audit Committee, internal audit, and external auditors.

That explanation drew criticism from several members, who argued that a balance of such magnitude should have triggered stronger supervisory intervention, particularly when the figures had increased sharply over successive reporting periods.

The CBSL nevertheless maintained that the fraud had not undermined the bank’s financial soundness.

Officials said NDB had already restated its financial statements to reflect the full Rs. 13.2 billion fraud exposure and continued to meet all regulatory requirements relating to capital adequacy and liquidity under Basel standards.

The regulator said it had intensified supervision of the bank, held discussions with current and former auditors, and required NDB to submit corrective action plans aimed at strengthening governance, risk management, and internal controls.

Among the measures already imposed are directives relating to key management personnel, strengthening oversight of reconciliation functions, revising reporting lines, and preventing redesignation of senior officers until investigations are completed. The CBSL said NDB’s capital and liquidity positions are now being monitored on a weekly basis.

Another contentious issue was whether the forensic audit would examine the conduct of the CBSL itself.

Committee members argued that the investigation should assess not only what occurred within NDB but also whether regulatory shortcomings contributed to the prolonged concealment of the fraud.

CBSL officials initially stated that the forensic audit was focused on NDB and would not specifically evaluate the performance of the regulator. However, Dr. Weerasinghe noted that elements of the mandate dealing with governance failures, control weaknesses, and oversight mechanisms could encompass wider supervisory considerations.

The hearing also revisited concerns raised by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding banking supervision.

Members referred to the IMF’s 2023 Governance Diagnostic Assessment, which identified weaknesses in supervision, operational risk oversight, governance, and anti-money laundering controls.

The CBSL said most recommendations had since been addressed through reforms, including the new Banking Act enacted in 2024, strengthened corporate governance directions, and revised rules governing related-party transactions.

However, lawmakers pointed to the IMF’s latest review, released in May, which highlighted the need to strengthen supervision of operational risk management and financial integrity frameworks following the fraud at a regulated financial institution.

Concluding the discussion, Dr. de Silva said many of the outstanding questions could only be answered once the forensic audit is completed. He indicated that the CoPF would revisit the matter after the interim and final reports are received and suggested that a future session could be dedicated to reviewing the CBSL’s supervisory framework more broadly amid concerns about potential systemic vulnerabilities.

First phase of Pedieos River/Kanlidere Rehabilitation Project completed, UNDP Cyprus says

The first phase of the Pedieos River/Kanlidere Rehabilitation Project was officially completed on Thursday, marking an important milestone in the ongoing effort to transform the river corridor into a vibrant, accessible and environmentally sustainable public space for all communities in Nicosia, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Cyprus has said in a press release.

It noted that the project, which is funded by the European Union under the Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community and implemented by UNDP, to restore natural habitats, create shared public spaces and strengthen community ties. “Through improved walking and cycling infrastructure, the initiative promotes sustainable living, environmental stewardship and interaction between communities,” it added.

The event which marked the completion of the works brought together representatives from both communities, the European Union, UNDP, cyclists, community groups and residents from across Nicosia. Participants joined a walk and cycling activity along the newly completed route, celebrating the completion of the first phase of the rehabilitation works.

The completed 1.2 km section connects the Ledra Palace crossing area with the Pedieos River/Kanlidere corridor and introduces a two-way bicycle lane, a sidewalk and a green belt, creating safer and more accessible routes while improving access to nature in the heart of the city. “The completion of the first phase marks an important milestone in the wider rehabilitation effort along the Pedieos River/Kanlidere corridor,” the press release noted.

Expected to benefit at least 250,000 visitors annually, the Pedieos River/Kanlidere Rehabilitation Project is part of a broader effort to expand a 3.7-kilometre linear park in Nicosia, enhancing green areas, restoring the river environment and creating accessible public spaces for all.

!Following the completion of the first phase, works for the second phase are expected to commence in September 2026, further promoting sustainable mobility, recreation, environmental protection and interaction across Nicosia through the development of a continuous walking and cycling route,” the press release concluded.

Meeting between UNSG personal envoy and President Christodoulides underway

A meeting between the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, María Ángela Holguín, and the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, is currently underway at the Presidential Palace.

This is Holguín’s second meeting with President Christodoulides since her arrival in Cyprus last Sunday.

Earlier on Friday afternoon, at 3.00 pm, Holguín also met again with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhrman.

Holguín’s meetings with the two leaders follow the initial talks she held with them separately on Monday.

The Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General is expected to depart the island on Sunday and subsequently travel to Athens and Ankara for further contacts as part of preparations for a 5+1 meeting on Cyprus.

As she stated following her meeting with President Christodoulides on Monday, she is preparing, together with the UN Secretary-General, for a 5+1 meeting, expressing optimism that the ongoing efforts would lead to such a gathering.

Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said earlier this week that the aim was to convene a new informal meeting on Cyprus, most likely during the last week of July or the first week of August.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

In 2025 the Secretary-General hosted two informal meetings on Cyprus, in March in Geneva and in July in New York, while a tripartite meeting with the Cyprus leaders was also held in late September, at the end of the UN General Assembly High Level Week. An informal meeting in broader format that was expected to take place before the end of 2025, is yet to be announced. María Angela Holguín, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties.

2026 World Cup: Mexico defeat South Africa in red card-dominated opening match

Ten-man World Cup co-host Mexico defeated nine-man South Africa 2-0 in the first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Azteca stadium.

The Mexicans continued the party after the likes of Shakira and Nigeria’s Burna Boy serenaded fans, with Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez netting in each half to punish Hugo Broos’ naive team.

Mexico breaks a 96-year opening match curse with the win, securing their first ever opening match victory in any tournament.

It also extended their unbeaten streak at the Azteca stadium to eight matches- six wins and two draws.

The match ended with three red cards, representing the first time ever a world cup opening match will feature three red cards, and the first time in 20 years that a World Cup match will witness three red cards.

FIFA President Ganni Infantino was in the stadium as Mexico asserted their dominance early and needed Ronwen Williams to deny Jimenez, but the Bafana Bafana self-destruct to hand the co-host the opener on nine minutes.

South Africa’s attempt to play out from the back was foiled and Quinones slammed a low shot through Williams’ legs for 1-0 to El Tricolor.

It is Mexico’s earliest goal in the World Cup since Rafael Marquez’s sixth-minute strike in 2006, and they could have scored more in the first half but were denied by the post as the scoreline remained one-nil at halftime.

South Africa, one of 10 Africa representatives, imploded in the second half with two red cards. First, defender Yaya Sithole got a straight red card for a last-ditch foul of Brian Gutierrez on 49 minutes, while Themba Zwane got the second dismissal in the 84th minutes.

In between both dismissals, Jimenez capitalized on the man advantage with a back post header from Roberto Alvarado’s expert cross to double Mexico’s lead, the 35-year-old netting his first ever World Cup goal in his fourth tournament, and also became the joint-second all-time goalscorer for Mexico with 46 goals.

Despite defender Cesar Montes getting a straight red for denying a goalscoring opportunity, Mexico saw off the rest of the match to go top of Group A with three points, South Africa at the bottom without a point.

Indo-Lanka Chamber hosts dialogue on Sri Lanka’s investment future

The Indo-Lanka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ILCCI), affiliated to The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, hosted an interactive session on Sri Lanka’s Investment Future: Policy, Opportunity and Growth at Jetwing Colombo Seven. The session was attended by Dr. Satyanjal Pandey as Chief Guest, while Aritha Wickramasinghe delivered the keynote address in his capacity as Chief of Staff to the Office of the Presidential Special Envoy on Foreign Investment Hanif Yusoof.

ILCCI President M. Raghuraman, in his remarks, expressed appreciation to Dr. Pandey for his service during his tenure in Sri Lanka and underscored the timeliness and importance of the session topic in the context of the current global economic and geopolitical climate.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Pandey observed that in a period marked by geopolitical and economic turbulence – reliability, trustworthiness, and secure supply chains have become increasingly important. He also highlighted the strong and growing economic partnership between India and Sri Lanka, noting several significant Indian investments in Sri Lanka, including those by ITC Ltd., and CEAT Ltd., while indicating that further investments are expected in the future.

As a representative of the State, Aritha Wickramasinghe stated that it is the responsibility of the Government to ensure that, even amid global turbulence, Sri Lanka remains stable in its policy direction, credible in its economic management, and consistent in its engagement with investors. He also emphasised the opportunities available to the Sri Lankan economy through deeper engagement with India’s fast-growing economy, noting that while India and Sri Lanka are neighbours, the relationship is regarded as one of family rather than mere proximity.

The session which included a highly engaging and interactive Q and A session with the audience, concluded with a productive exchange of views between the distinguished guests, speakers and participants, reaffirming the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration in strengthening investment and economic ties between Sri Lanka and India.

Refiners adjust sourcing as war rattles markets

Thailand’s major oil refineries continue to operate smoothly and supply the nation with refined oil despite escalating conflict in the Middle East, according to the Federation of Thai Industries’ Petroleum Refining Industry Club.

The assurance comes as global energy markets brace for prolonged instability following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for oil and gas.

The club noted that imported crude oil accounts for 90% of Thailand’s total oil consumption. Traditionally, nearly 70% of this crude has originated from the Middle East.

However, the ongoing war in Iran has disrupted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, forcing oil companies to diversify their sources.

Rungnapa Janchookiat, chairwoman of the club, said Thailand’s refineries remain resilient in the face of global supply challenges.

Recent procurement strategies have shifted towards West Africa and the US, reducing reliance on Middle Eastern supplies.

The proportion of crude sourced from the Middle East has dropped from nearly 70% under normal circumstances to just 30%, with shipments rerouted through ports outside the Strait of Hormuz, she said.

In addition, refineries have adopted precautionary measures such as accelerating crude procurement, expanding floating storage capacity and temporarily increasing refined oil reserves. These steps have raised oil stock levels above normal, providing a buffer against potential disruptions, Mrs Rungnapa said.

Meanwhile, PTT Plc, Thailand’s national oil and gas conglomerate, is intensifying efforts to secure more liquefied natural gas (LNG) as domestic supplies dwindle.

LNG is a critical fuel for electricity generation, and the company is shifting its procurement strategy to safeguard energy stability.

Before the Middle East conflict, PTT relied heavily on shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. That reliance has now been cut to less than half of total LNG imports, reflecting disruptions to global supply routes.

Gas from the Gulf of Thailand, once the backbone of supply at 70%, has fallen to 54%. Myanmar’s contribution has also declined, from 30% to just 11%.

Imported LNG now accounts for 35% of the country’s total supply, underscoring the growing dependence on overseas sources.