News

Energy Minister claims successful conclusion of discussions with Indians

Published

4 years ago

2022/01/1

Sahan Weerasooriya

Trinco Bunkering now given to IOC – FSP

Trinco oil tank farm

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila yesterday said that discussions with India on regaining the control of the Trincomalee oil tank farm had concluded successfully and that 14 oil tanks in the Trincomalee oil tank farm would be leased to the LIOC for another 50 years. Gammanpila added that LIOC had been controlling the tank farm since 2003.

Twenty four oil tanks would be given to CPC and the remaining 61 managed by Trinco Petroleum Terminals Ltd., a joint venture between LIOC and CPC, Gammanpila said.

“We have regained control of the Trinco oil tank farm. This is a historic victory. Trinco Petroleum Terminals Ltd. will be run by us. COPE and Parliament has control over it,” he said.

However, the Education Secretary of the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP), Pubudu Jayagoda said that the government had agreed to sell the bunkering operations at Trincomalee to IOC. The government was to sign two agreements with India, he said.

“One is the agreement to hand over to India 14 oil tanks that the IOC is using, the pipelines used to carry fuel and the bunkering operation. IOC will get these infrastructure for 50 years, and the government will lose a lot of foreign revenue as it loses the bunkering operation,” he said.

According to Jayagoda, the second agreement will be on the establishment of Trinco Petroleum Terminals Ltd., a joint venture between LIOC and CPC. Commenting on Minister Gammanpila’s claim that most of the Directors of the Company would be appointed by CPC and that 51% of shares would be owned by the CPC, Jayagoda said that the agreement was similar to the one signed with New Fortress Energy.

“We only sold 40% of the Kerawalapitiya Power Plant shares to New Fortress Energy, but they still control the entire operational aspect of the power plant. Likewise, although IOC only owns 49% of Trinco Petroleum Terminals, they are in charge of the operations. We have given them the best tanks, situated at the lower levels of the tank farm, and the pipelines that transports oil. So they are in control of the tank farm,” he said.

The FSP Education Secretary also asked whether Minister Gammanpila would reveal the specifics of the 24 tanks that have been earmarked for CPC. There were about 20 tanks that couldn’t be used and it was likely that those tanks will be given back to the CPC, he said.

“Minister Gammanpila says that these agreements are a great victory because the Sri Lankan flag will be displayed in the tank farm. This is akin to selling your house because you have no money, and claim that the new owners have agreed to display the portrait of your grandmother in the living room. We have agreed to sign a disastrous agreement with India because of our forex crisis and soon they will have a land at a strategic location in the country,” he said.

Jayagoda also alleged that the Minister had also made a number of false statements about the previous agreements on the tank farm. Despite the Minister’s claims, there was no formal agreement to hand over 14 tanks to India in 2003, he said. An MoU was signed and but a formal agreement was never executed.

“So, IOC was holding these tanks illegally. However, when this agreement is signed it will formally have these tanks. The Minister also claims that the 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka accord earmarked these tanks for Indian use. However, the agreement only states that if we develop these tanks with a foreign partner that partner will have to be India. So Gammanpila is bending facts,” he said.

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The book “Intimidated?” presents a significant and timely contribution to understanding challenges, resilience, and innovation in the modern world, offering valuable insights for education, research, and social transformation – PM

Published

2 hours ago

2026/03/30

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya made these remarks while participating in the book launch of “Intimidated?” authored by Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, Head of Department at the National University of Singapore, held on Saturday 28 March 2026 at the Lotus Hall of BMICH.

Authored by Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, the book “Intimidated?” reflects on contemporary global and personal challenges, innovation, and the importance of resilience, offering readers a thoughtful and inspiring perspective grounded in academic experience and global exposure. The publication, along with its English translation, was ceremonially presented to the Prime Minister during the event.

Congratulating the author on this important publication, the Prime Minister stated that such scholarly work plays a vital role in inspiring future generations, particularly students and young researchers, to think critically, embrace challenges, and contribute meaningfully to society. She further emphasized the importance of knowledge-sharing and innovation in shaping a progressive and inclusive educational environment in Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister also ceremonially launched the programme to distribute 5,000 copies of the book free of charge to students and educational institutions, highlighting the importance of making knowledge accessible to a wider audience.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, family members of Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, university Vice Chancellors, professors and lecturers, senior officials of the Ministry of Education, school principals, students, and invited guests.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

News

It is the government’s objective to create an education system that provides every child with access to modern technological opportunities — Prime Minister

Published

2 hours ago

2026/03/30

Priyan

Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, stated that it is the government’s objective to establish an education system that ensures every child has access to modern technological opportunities.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the opening ceremony of the National Competition of the World Robot Olympiad (WRO), that aims to elevate the technological skills of Sri Lanka’s younger generation to international standards, held on Saturday (28) at Burhani Serendib College in Colombo.

A total of 66 teams from schools across the island participated in this year’s competition, marking a threefold increase compared to last year. The event was held under the theme “Robots Meet Culture,” and over 500 students, presented creations blending local culture with modern engineering concepts.

Expressing her views, the Prime Minister stated:

“In today’s rapidly evolving world, giving priority to the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) should be a national priority.

Platforms such as the World Robot Olympiad provide opportunities for our younger generation to develop essential skills such as logical thinking, innovation, and teamwork”,

Sri Lanka participated in the International Robot Olympiad held in Singapore in 2025, with two teams representing the country, which marked a highly significant and enriching experience for our children.

The Prime Minister further emphasized that the government remains committed to building an education system that enables every child to benefit from such technological opportunities.

The event was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, officials from the Indian High Commission, government officials, and school students.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

Latest News

Heat Index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-western, Northern and North-central provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

3 hours ago

2026/03/30

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 29 March 2026, valid for 30 March 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-western, Northern and North-central provinces and in Monaragala district.

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.