Shell has re-entered Sri Lanka’s fuel retail market after more than six decades through a brand licensing partnership operated by RM Parks (Private) Limited. At the helm is Eugene Mayne, Director of RM Parks (Private) Limited and Founder and CEO of Tristar Group.
Mayne founded Tristar in 1998 in Dubai and has since built it into a global energy logistics firm with operations across several continents. His experience in fuel transport, storage, and distribution underpins Tristar’s role in managing the supply and operational standards behind the Shell-branded fuel stations in Sri Lanka, ensuring the operations meet the same benchmarks seen in other global markets.
Since the first Shell-branded fuel station opened earlier this year, RM Parks (Private) Limited has expanded to 50 sites nationwide. The company’s focus is on applyinginternational standards in safety, service, and technology to modernise Sri Lanka’s retail fuel sector. As the network grows, it aims to strengthen reliability, develop local capability, and enhance the customer experience, signalling a new phase in the country’s energy landscape.
The Tristar Group has an extensive legacy in energy logistics and downstream operations. What inspired Tristar to enter Sri Lanka’s retail fuel market via Shell Licensee, RM Parks (Private) Limited, and what potential do you see for long-term growth here?
Sri Lanka holds immense potential as a growing economy with a young, energetic population and a strategic location in South Asia. Our investment through Shell Licensee, RM Parks (Private) Limited, Sri Lanka, reflects our long-term confidence in the country’s retail energy landscape. The Tristar Group has always been driven by opportunities to bring global standards to new markets. With Shell’s trusted heritage and retail expertise, we saw an opportunity to reintroduce a globally respected brand while contributing to the modernisation of Sri Lanka’s fuel retail sector. The long-term potential lies not just in fuel sales but in building an integrated mobility ecosystem that supports the country’s journey towards safe and sustainable energy solutions.
The first Shell-branded fuel station in Sri Lanka was opened earlier this year. How has the rollout progressed since then, and what key milestones have been achieved?
The landmark opening of Sri Lanka’s first Shell-branded fuel station took place at B. S. Cooray Filling Station, marking a new chapter for the brand in the country.
The rollout has progressed exceptionally well. In less than a year, we’ve successfully rebranded 50 Shell-branded stations across the country, which is a milestone that reflects the strength of our partnerships and the dedication of our local teams. Our focus has been on setting a new standard for customer experience in fuel retailing, encompassing product quality and safety, as well as convenience and service excellence. Every Shell-branded fuel station is designed to reflect the brand’s global promise of making life’s journeys better, while creating meaningful employment opportunities and uplifting local communities.
As business operations expand under Shell Licensee, RM Parks (Private) Limited, Sri Lanka, how is the company investing in local talent and technology to strengthen operational reliability?
We firmly believe that people and technology are the backbone of sustainable operations. From the outset, we have prioritised developing local talent through structured training programmes that combine Shell’s international best practices with local market insights. In parallel, we are investing in advanced digital tools and fuel management systems to enhance operational reliability, transparency, and safety. Our objective is to empower Sri Lankan professionals to manage world-class operations while building rewarding long-term careers in the downstream energy sector.
How will the combined strengths of Shell and Tristar shape the customer experience at the new Shell-branded fuel stations?
This collaboration brings together the best of both worlds. Shell offers high-quality fuels and a globally trusted brand with strong retail know how and customer engagement excellence; Tristar contributes deep expertise in safe and efficient energy logistics. Together, we’re delivering a differentiated experience that goes beyond refuelling, one that’s centred on safety, service, and sustainability. Customers can expect consistent product quality, friendly service, and modern facilities that make every visit a positive and reliable experience.
This partnership brings Shell fuels back to Sri Lanka after more than six decades, uniting two major industry players. From your perspective, what makes this collaboration successful, and what lessons from previous partnerships are being applied here?
The strength of this partnership lies in shared values and mutual respect. Each partner brings unique expertise, but we’re united by a common vision to deliver world-class energy solutions responsibly. At Tristar, we’ve always believed that successful partnerships are built on transparency, trust, and operational discipline. These principles guide our collaboration in Sri Lanka as well.
By combining Shell’s proven experience as the global leader in bringing quality fuels with our regional experience, we’re ensuring that the brand’s return to Sri Lanka is not only successful but also sus- tainable in the long term. While Sri Lanka presents significant opportunities, realising its full economic potential requires continued progress in improving the ease of doing business. Simplifying business registration, streamlining import–export processes, enhancing policy transparency, and accelerating digitalisation will play a key role in fostering investor confidence and enabling sustainable growth.
Shell is globally recognised for its commitment to cleaner energy and reduced emissions. How are sustainability principles being integrated into Shell-branded operations in Sri Lanka?
Sustainability is at the heart of our vision for Shell brand’s re-entry into Sri Lanka. Our goal is not only to deliver high-quality fuels but also to enhance the social and environmental impact of every Shellbranded site across the country.
RM Parks (Private) Limited launched the Clean Sri Lanka Programme to promote community well-being through modern, hygienic, and accessible washroom facilities at Shell-branded fuel stations.
One of the most meaningful initiatives we’ve introduced is the Clean Sri Lanka Programme, launched jointly by Shell Licensee, RM Parks (Private) Limited, Sri Lanka, and Tristar. This initiative reflects our belief that sustainability begins with community well-being and dignity. Under this programme, we’ve introduced modern, hygienic, and accessible washroom facilities at several Shell fuel service stations, including our flagship site at ShellTasma, Biyagama, and four others in Weweldeniya, Piliyandala, Polgasowita, and Kottawa.
This initiative goes beyond infrastructure. It’s about improving everyday experiences for Sri Lankan travellers, setting a new benchmark for quality, accessibility, and care within the country’s fuel retail sector.
What leadership lessons from Tristar Group’s growth journey guide your approach to entering and developing new markets such as Sri Lanka?
Tristar’s growth over the past decades has been guided by a few enduring principles: integrity, safety, and partnership. We never compromise on safety or compliance, and we always build relationships grounded intrust and long-term value creation. When entering a new market like Sri Lanka, these principles are crucial. We take time to understand the local context, empower capable teams, and operate transparently. This people-first and safety-driven mindset has enabled us to succeed across multiple markets, and it continues to guide our strategy here in Sri Lanka.
As Shell-branded fuel stations operated by Shell Licensee, RM Parks (Private) Limited, Sri Lanka, continue to expand, what is your long-term vision for the retail fuel business in the country?
Our long-term vision is to make Shell-branded fuel stations the most trusted and preferred mobility brand in Sri Lanka. Beyond expanding our retail network, we want to be part of the country’s evolving energy future, offering customers not just high-quality fuels but also greater convenience through value-added retailing, enhanced customer experiences, and digital payment solutions.
We view this journey as a partnership with Sri Lanka, one that supports communities, creates opportunities, and contributes to a more sustainable and inclusive energy landscape for the next generation. As Sri Lanka continues to evolve its energy and business landscape, we see immense potential for collaboration between the public and private sectors to shape a resilient, transparent, and sustainable fuel retail industry.
A stable and transparent fuel pricing framework is equally essential to sustain investment and maintain quality service delivery. A predictable pricing policy encourages healthy competition, ensures supply reliability, and supports the development of a modern, customer-centric retail network across Sri Lanka.