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FR petition challenges Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm deal with Indians

Published

3 years ago

2022/01/8

A fundamental rights petition challenging the agreement signed between Sri Lanka and India to develop the Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm was filed yesterday in the Supreme Court by a civil society activist.

Ven. Wakulle Uditha Thera of the Jathika Bhikku Peramuna filed the fundamental rights violation petition through Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala. The petitioner has named 47 persons,including the Attorney General, Secretary to the President, Minister of Finance, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Minister of Energy, and the Auditor General as respondents.

Sri Lanka and India reached the agreement on 06 January. Among the signatories to the agreement are Sri Lankan Treasury Secretary, the

Commissioner-General of Lands, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), Lanka IOC and the subsidiary company Trinco Petroleum Terminal Pvt. Ltd.

On Monday, the Cabinet approved the agreement presented by the Minister of Power Udaya Gammanpila.

According to the agreement, 61 tanks will be jointly developed by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and Lanka IOC through Trinco Petroleum Terminal Pvt. Ltd.

Lanka IOC is a subsidiary of the Indian Oil Corporation, which is under the Indian Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

The government of Sri Lanka has said that CPC will own 51% of the shares of the joint venture and Lanka IOC holds the balance.

The Cabinet also decided lease 14 oil tanks of the Lower Oil Tank Complex to LIOC for 50 years. 24 oil tanks will be reserved for the CPC.

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Heat index, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts

Published

1 hour ago

2025/04/30

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 29 April 2025, valid for 30 April 2025

The general public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED

Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.

News

AKD’s fourth state visit

Published

2 hours ago

2025/04/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will undertake a four-day state visit to Vietnam on 03 May, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said. Since the presidential election, President Dissanayake has so far visited India, China and the UAE.

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Sri Lanka-Pakistan bilateral defence dialogue strengthens strategic ties – MoD

Published

2 hours ago

2025/04/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

AVM Thuyacontha shaking hands with Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif (pic courtesy MoD)

The 5th annual Sri Lanka-Pakistan Bilateral Defence Dialogue commenced on Monday (April 28) in Islamabad, Pakistan, marking a continued commitment to strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations.

The MoD statement: “The Sri Lankan delegation is led by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha accompanied by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, and Additional Secretary (Defence) of the Ministry of Defence Jayantha Edirisinghe. The Pakistani delegation is headed by Lieutenant General (retd.) Muhammad Ali, Secretary Defence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

In conjunction with the on-going defence dialogue, Defence Secretary Thuyacontha held a side-line meeting yesterday (April 29) with Defence Minister of Pakistan, Khawaja Muhammad Asif.

These high-level engagements aim to enhance bilateral cooperation, foster mutual understanding on regional security dynamics and explore opportunities for defence collaboration. Both nations share a longstanding relationship rooted in mutual respect and strategic cooperation. The dialogue reflects the growing importance of partnerships in maintaining stability and promoting peace in the South Asian region.

The three-day dialogue, which concludes today (April 30), is expected to reinforce bilateral defence ties and contribute to broader regional security objectives.