News

Indo-Lanka talks: Trinco issue, foreign reserve crisis on agenda

Published

5 years ago

2021/10/9

Sahan Weerasooriya

Prof. Peiris with Indian FS Harsh Vardhan Shringla (Pic courtesy FM)

Why was the Minister tasked by Prez to settle the ‘oil tank farm’ problem not involved …

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris says that although the further development of Trincomalee oil tank farm was on the agenda during the recently concluded three-day visit undertaken by Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, it has not been decided how to proceed with the project.

Declaring that India hadn’t pressured the government over the issue at hand, Prof. Peiris said a consensus could be reached on the Trincomalee project in a way beneficial to both countries.

The Minister said so when The Island sought his response to the growing criticism of the incumbent government’s handling of the controversial Trincomalee oil tanks project and recent heated exchanges in Parliament between Energy Minister Attorney-at-Law Udaya Gammanpila and members of the main Opposition Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB).

Shringla, who last served as India’s top diplomat in Washington, recently succeeded Vijay Keshav Gokhale.

Referring to a series of meetings, Shringla had with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa, Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa and himself during the Oct 2-5 period, Prof. Peiris emphasised that the Trincomalee oil tank farm was subject to two agreements finalised in the 80’s during President JRJ’s tenure and in 2003.

Shringla also met Foreign Secretary Admiral (retd). Prof. Jayanath Colombage and Defence Secretary General (retd.) G.D.H. Kamal Gunaratne.

Prof. Peiris had served the UNP Cabinet at the time the then Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe’s administration entered into the second agreement. Prof. Peiris stressed that the further development of the project would be discussed taking into consideration two existing agreements.

Eldos Mathew Punnoose, Head – Press, Information and Development Cooperation at the Indian High Commission in Colombo, dealt with a range of issues taken up during the high profile visit. Referring to Shringla’s visits to Kandy, Trincomalee and Jaffna, signifying their cultural, economic and historical importance, respectively, the Indian HC spokesperson said: “In Kandy, the visiting Foreign Secretary offered prayers at Sri Dalada Maligawa. In Trincomalee, the Foreign Secretary visited the Oil Tank Farms, a symbol of the potential and strong energy partnership between the two countries, where LIOC briefed him about the development undertaken by it at the Lower Tank Farms and its advantages to Sri Lanka’s economy. During his visit to Jaffna, the Foreign Secretary inspected the Jaffna Cultural Centre and interacted with the Governor of the Northern Province, several Members of Parliament, academicians and business leaders.”

Prof. Peiris said that various interested parties deceived the public as regards newly appointed Indian Foreign Secretary’s visit to Colombo. The FM strongly denied accusations that the visit was meant to finalise a deal on the Trincomalee oil tank farm. “Instead, the entire gamut of issues was taken up,” Prof. Peiris said, asserting the possible amendments to existing agreements.

Reference was made to such amendments when Prof. Peiris addressed the media at the SLPP office, Battaramulla early this week.

Prof. Peiris, who succeeded SLPP’s first Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, on Aug 16, declared that the recently concluded talks dealt with a range of issues, including strengthening of Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves. Prof. Peiris said that the matter received special attention with various alternatives discussed in line with overall objectives.

He was of the opinion that India was ready to make major investments here, with the primary focus on producing medicine and the computer industry.

The Indian HC spokesperson said that at the meeting with the Finance Minister both sides agreed to proceed with joint projects, including those under the loan and grant assistance extended by India.

“The Foreign Secretary held wide-ranging and comprehensive discussions with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and his counterpart on all areas of mutual interest, including on the need to face the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic together to mitigate its economic impact,” the spokesperson said.

Prof. Peiris said that Indian Ocean security, counter-terrorism and training for Sri Lankan armed forces, too, had been on the agenda. Interestingly, a statement issued by the President’s Media Division (PMD), following President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s meet with Shringla referred to two issues that hadn’t been touched by the Foreign Ministry here and the Indian High Commission, in its press release issued on Oct 5.

The PMD quoted President Rajapaksa as having told Shringla that Sri Lanka wouldn’t allow the use of its territory in any way that threatened India’s security. The assurance has been given having explained the country’s relationship with China.

The PMD also quoted President Rajapaksa as having said that the responsibility for resolving the Trincomalee oil tank farm issue had been given to the Minister in charge of the subject.

However, Shringla hadn’t met Minister Gammanpila during his three day stay here. The Energy Minister on a number of occasions said that efforts were meant to address the issue at hand in a way not inimical to Sri Lanka.

A trade union grouping has declared what it has termed a sellout, an accusation strongly countered by Foreign Minister Prof. Peiris. Those who had been opposed to foreign investment in vital sectors continue to hinder the much required progress on the economic front, Prof. Peiris said, urging the critics to be mindful of politically motivated campaigns.

Prof. Peiris, who had been present when Shringla met Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa on Oct 4 at Temple Trees, said that the relations with India would be further strengthened with the signing of an inter-governmental MoU for the USD 15 mn ‘Buddhism grant.’

Prof. Peiris said that India also agreed to support the maintenance of the India built Jaffna Cultural Centre. Foreign Minister Peiris described the inaugural flight on Oct 20 from Sri Lanka to Kushinagar which would further bolster cultural links between the two countries a significant. Shringla also held political talks with the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) delegation led by Member of Parliament and Leader of TNA R. Sampanthan; Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) delegation led by Member of Parliament Mano Ganesan and Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) delegation led by State Minister for Estate Housing and Community Infrastructure Jeevan Thondaman.

The Indian spokesperson quoted Foreign Secretary as having reiterated India’s longstanding support for the reconciliation that addresses aspirations of the Tamil community for equality, justice, peace and dignity within a united Sri Lanka and in accordance with the 13th Amendment.

Prof. Peiris also appreciated the inauguration/handing over of four development cooperation projects implemented by India. The projects had been implemented at the Vadamaradchi Central Ladies College and Saraswathi Central College in Pussellwa, Kandy, handing over of 1235 houses built under Indian Housing Project Phase III and handing over of houses built under the Model Village Housing Project in Vavuniya District.

All News Advertisement

News

New Chairperson and Members appointed to the Finance Commission

Published

8 hours ago

2026/07/22

Priyan

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Ms N. R. Anees as the new Chairperson and a member of the Finance Commission.

J. M. C. J. Wijetunga and K. Karunaharan have been appointed as the other members of the Commission.

The letters of appointment were presented to the appointees by the Secretary to the President, Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, at the Presidential Secretariat ton Monday (20) afternoon

The appointments were made to fill the vacancies createdy following the expiry of the terms of office of the previous members of the Finance Commission.

(PMD)

News

True leadership is not about titles or power, but about acting responsibly for the well-being of others – Prime Minister

Published

9 hours ago

2026/07/22

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that true leadership is not about titles or power, but about acting responsibly, with compassion, and working for the well being of the others.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the President’s Guide Award and Prime Minister’s Award Ceremony, organized by the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association, one of the country’s leading voluntary organizations dedicated to empowering girls and young women. The ceremony was held on Sunday (19th July )at Temple Trees in Colombo.

During the event, the Prime Minister presented medals and certificates to the award recipients.

A total of 350 awards were presented at this year’s ceremony, comprising 338 President’s Guide Awards and 12 Prime Minister’s Awards, in recognition of the recipients’ discipline, resilience, integrity, and commitment to serving others.

Addressing the occasion, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that one of the greatest strengths of the Girl Guides association is its commitment to providing equal opportunities to every child, regardless of their background or abilities. The Prime Minister also emphasized that true leadership is not defined by titles or power, but by acting responsibly, listening with compassion, and working for the well-being of others.

The Prime Minister further noted that while women had limited opportunities in the past, today increasing opportunities are being created for girls and women across all sectors, and young women are making remarkable progress in every field. The Prime Minister further stressed that every girl and young woman deserves equal opportunities to improve themselves, noting that the country needs young women leaders who are ready to step forward to build a better future for Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister also highlighted that, particularly at a time when Sri Lanka is undertaking significant economic and democratic reforms, achieving sustainable national progress requires not only economic growth but also the development of citizens who uphold strong ethical values and social responsibility. In this regard, she commended the invaluable contribution made by the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association.

Guided by its motto, “Be Prepared,” the Girl Guiding Movement in Sri Lanka was first established on 21 March 1917 at Kandy High School by Miss Jenny Calverley Green. Today, the movement operates through seven branches; Butterflies, the Little Friends, the Guides, the Rangers, the Youth, the Differently Abled Guides, and the Community Guiding Units, catering to different age groups and abilities. The President’s Guide Award is the highest honour that can be achieved by a Girl Guide and is awarded only to those who successfully complete the required challenges, written and oral examinations, and the BP Challenge. The Prime Minister’s Award is presented as the highest recognition within the Ranger Guide section.

The event was attended by at the President of the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association Swarnika Pitigala, Chief Commissioner Dr. Kushantha Herath, President’s Guide Commissioner Pushpa Perera, Prime Minister’s Guide Commissioner Aruni Karunaratne, other senior officials of the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association, President’s Guides and Prime Minister’s Guides, as well as a large number of their parents.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

News

Customs asked to resume probe or face legal action

Published

18 hours ago

2026/07/22

Sahan Weerasooriya

Rs. 16 bn BMW revenue fraud:

Public interest litigation activist Nagananda Kodituwakku has said he will initiate appropriate proceedings against Director General of Customs, Wimal S.K. Liyanagama, in terms of the Anti-Corruption Act No 9 of 2023, unless the Customs carries out a revenue fraud inquiry to recover approximately Rs 16 bn in lost government revenue.

General Secretary of Vinivida Foundation, and former Customs officer, Kodituwakku said that though the Department, in response to his request for a meeting to discuss the issue, in writing, assured them that the investigation was underway, they found that the actual situation was not so.

Kodituwakku alleged that the Customs Chief had neglected what he called statutory duties under the Customs Ordinance, by disregarding his request for a meeting.

Kodituwakku said the investigation into the importation of 1,728 brand new BMW vehicles, under the concessionary duty permits issued by the government for the public servants, between 2011 and 2014, had been stalled.

The civil society activist said that investigations had revealed the vehicles hadn’t been imported by the permit holders themselves but others. It also transpired that the value of the imported vehicles, mentioned in the commercial invoices, proforma invoices and the CusDecs, tendered to Customs in the names of the permit holders, were not the actual values for the vehicles in question.

The high-profile case has been handled by the Central Investigation Directorate, at that time headed by Murugesu Thayabaran, a batchmate of Kodituwakku.

The ex-Customs officer said that he had appeared as counsel for Thayabaran in Court of Appeal and was determined to bring the case to a successful conclusion. According to him, the importer, over the years, had been represented by nine President’s Counsel as the case dragged on from the time of P.S.M. Charles, Director General, Customs.

Kodituwakku made available letters he wrote to the Customs and other parties on this issue, to The Island. Pointing out that the Court of Appeal on 7 May, 2024, dismissed the importer’s final appeal regarding the case pertaining to the revenue loss of Rs. 16 bn, Kodituwakku said that although the court had cleared the way for the Customs probe, no action had been taken.

However, the Court of Appeal ruling was given before Liyanagama succeeded Seevali Arukgoda as DG Customs on 6 May, 2026. Liyanagama served as Director General of the Department of Management Services at the Treasury before the new appointment.

Kodituwakku said that he had also brought the Customs case to the attention of the Commission to Investigate Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

Emphasising the failure on the part of the Opposition to raise this issue, both in and outside Parliament, Kodituwakku said that since the exposure of the BMW scam, during Mahinda Rajapaksa’s presidency, there had been four presidents, namely Maithripala Sirisena, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Ranil Wickremesinghe and incumbent Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Unfortunately, successive administrations had allowed the interested parties to drag the case. The lack of interest shown by political parties revealed that they not only protected those responsible but encouraged corrupt practices of allowing third parties to import vehicles in terms of permits issued to legitimate recipients of such permits.

Having campaigned on an anti-corruption platform, during the presidential and parliamentary polls in 2024, the NPP couldn’t, under any circumstances, turn a blind eye to this situation, Kodituwakku said, adding that even the IMF should be concerned of the failure on the part of successive governments to recover the money.

By Shamindra Ferdinando