News
Quality concerns in LIOC products: Company counters Opposition’s allegations
Amidst Opposition accusations that a load of inferior quality products that had been procured by Lanka IOC was unloaded here recently, LIOC claimed that joint sampling and testing were conducted with the government of Sri Lanka to avoid any confusion regarding the quality specification in terms of appearance.
The main Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) trade union alliance has alleged that inferior quality products were available in the market.LIOC claimed that the joint sampling proved that there was no issue with the consignment.
LIOC issued the following statement: “LIOC procures the highest quality of fuel from reputed suppliers across the globe through an international competitive bidding process. One such consignment, consisting of Gasoil and Gasoline from an international fuel supplier, arrived at the Colombo Port recently. After chemical testing of the entire Cargo of Gasoline and Gasoil, all the chemical properties which determine the quality of the fuel, were found to be meeting specifications. However, in the case of Gasoil, part of the cargo was showing inconsistent results in case of ‘appearance’. As such, initially only the Gasoline parcel and a part of the Gasoil cargo where appearance was not in question was accepted and discharged by LIOC. As for the balanced Gasoil cargo where test results of samples collected at various points yielded inconsistent results, LIOC requested GoSL for joint sampling and testing to avoid any confusion regarding the quality specification in terms of appearance.
After getting consent from the authorities, the product was re-sampled. It passed all necessary tests related to statutory quality specifications following which the product was accepted by LIOC.
LIOC, with over two decades of presence in Sri Lanka, has contributed to the economic growth and advancement of the energy sector of Sri Lanka.
LIOC has stood with the people of Sri Lanka during tough times, especially during the crisis situation last year. LIOC will continue to offer services to the people of Sri Lanka by ensuring assured and timely delivery of quality products through our sheds across the country and help Sri Lanka consolidate its economic recovery and stability.”
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya yesterday sad that the Executive Presidency would be abolished, in line with the NPP’s election manifesto.
Speaking in Parliament, in response to a question raised under Standing Order 27/2 by Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa, the Prime Minister said the abolition would take place through a proposed new Constitution.
She added that preliminary work on drafting the new Constitution had already begun, with previous committee reports and other proposals being studied to guide the process.
“A concept paper on the draft will be presented to the Cabinet,” Amarasuriya said, noting that a formal study has been initiated on abolishing the Executive Presidency.
She said that the move cannot be implemented without introducing a new Constitution.
Leader Sajith Premadasa told Parliament yesterday that the suspension of duties imposed on Dr. Rukshan Bellana, Deputy Director of the National Hospital, amounted to a violation of his fundamental rights.
Raising the issue during parliamentary proceedings, Premadasa, who is also the SJB Leader, questioned the decision to suspend the senior medical officer for issuing a statement to the media, particularly on matters relating to children’s medicines.
He said health was a fundamental right and noted that two children had reportedly died, stressing that the focus should be on accountability over the incident rather than penalising a medical professional for speaking out.
Premadasa criticised the authorities for suspending Dr. Bellana solely for communicating with the media, asking whether such action constituted justice for families who had lost their children.The Opposition Leader said silencing officials, who raise concerns, undermines fundamental rights and does not address the underlying issues related to patient safety and public health.
Acting Deputy Director of the Colombo National Hospital Dr. Rukshan Bellana has been suspended.
A letter, issued by the Ministry of Health, says preliminary investigations by the Ministry of Health has revealed that Dr. Bellana, as a government medical officer holding a responsible position, made statements to the media, without approval, in a manner that created a controversial situation in the country and unrest among the public.
The letter further stated that formal disciplinary action will be taken in due course regarding this matter.
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