News
Forensic audit on CPC can proceed despite ex-top official’s absence
By Shamindra Ferdinando
CPC Chairman Mohamed Uvais Mohamed yesterday (28) said that the proposed forensic audit to ascertain the financial status of his organisation could be conducted despite the absence of a former senior official.
The CPC Chairman said so when The Island asked him whether the state enterprise would ask Deputy General Manager (Commercial and Supply chain) M.K. Garusinghe, who left the country early this month, to return to assist the forensic audit. Garusinghe is believed to have moved to Toronto, Canada, apparently without the knowledge of anyone at the Corporation.
Uvais Mohamed received the appointment on 07 June, last year, about a month before the change of the government. Previously, he served as the Chairman and Managing Director of Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited (CPSTL).
Responding to another query, the top official said that the CPC, on the instructions of the Power and Energy Minister, had chosen a private organisation to conduct the forensic audit. Uvais Mohamed explained that the audit was not aimed at Garusinghe, or any other individual, but a total assessment of the state enterprise.
CPC trade union sources told The Island that such a senior official couldn’t have resigned after having left the country. “We are aware the former DGM sent his letter of resignation through his wife,” Samagi Jana Balawegaya trade union leader in the Petroleum sector, Ananda Palitha, said. The trade unionist added that the massive ‘out turn losses’ suffered by the CPC (differences between Bill of Laden (commonly known as B/L) – what Crude Oil tanker pump) and out turn (what CPC received at Sapugaskanda Refinery tanks) couldn’t be properly investigated without Garusinghe’s cooperation.
A colossal amount of money had been paid as ‘out turn losses’ to suppliers. Other sources said that the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption had recorded a statement from Garusinghe some time back.
Asked whether the CPC would ask Garusinghe to return in case his ‘assistance’ was required to proceed with forensic audit and subsequent actions, the CPC Chairman said that the government could seek the assistance of Interpol in such an eventuality.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in a high-level dialogue titled “Tourism as Soft Power and Diplomatic Capital” held at the Euronews Hub, Piz Buin Davos, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on January 20.
The session explored how tourism functions as a strategic instrument of diplomacy by strengthening international trust, cultural exchange, and regional cooperation through mobility and people-to-people engagement. The Prime Minister shared the panel with Mr. Kuban Omiraliyev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States and Mr. Meshari Alnahar – CEO Aseer Investment Company, Saudi Arabia.
Addressing global trends, the Prime Minister emphasized that Sri Lanka is an example of hope, recovery and resilience in a world of conflict demonstrating how tourism can play a critical role in a changing global environment particularly amid climate shocks, geopolitical instability, and uneven economic recovery. She noted that tourism is not only an economic sector but also a vital diplomatic bridge that supports livelihoods, builds relationships and connects people.
Drawing on Sri Lanka’s recent experience, she highlighted the country’s strong tourism recovery despite multiple crises, including the impact of Cyclone Ditwah. Transparent crisis management and strategic engagement with international partners helped sustain visitor confidence, resulting in record tourist arrivals even in challenging circumstances.
The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of green and climate friendly tourism infrastructure and underlined that Sri Lanka welcomes long term investment in tourism. She pointed out that tourism supports millions of jobs worldwide and that inclusive policies are essential to ensure fair opportunities, particularly for women and vulnerable communities.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
During an operation conducted in the dark hours of 20 Jan 26, the Sri Lanka Navy seized two (02) Indian fishing boats and apprehended seven (07) Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, off Kovilan, Jaffna.
The seized boats and Indian fishermen was to be handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Myliddy, Jaffna for onward legal proceedings.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in a series of high-level bilateral meetings on January 20 on the sidelines of the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland.
The Prime Minister attended a productive bilateral meeting with Mr. Jozef Síkela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships. During the discussion, both sides focused on strengthening Sri Lanka–EU cooperation and advancing mutual interests.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya also met with Mr. Masato Kanda, President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), at the WEF Congress Centre. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss ongoing engagement and future collaboration between Sri Lanka and the ADB.
In addition, the Prime Minister held discussions with Mr. Hassan El Houry, Chairman of Menzies Aviation, where opportunities for collaboration in aviation services and connectivity were explored.
The Prime Minister also participated in a high-level dialogue at the Global Tourism Forum held at the Euronews Hub, Piz Buin, Davos, as part of the World Economic Forum engagements.
Dr. Anil Jayantha, Minister of Labour, and the Deputy Minister of Finance were also present at these meetings.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
ICC board votes to replace Bangladesh if they don’t travel to India
Sri Lanka is an example of hope, recovery and resilience in a world of conflict – PM
Brook needs to ‘regain trust of players’ after New Zealand nightclub incident
Navy seizes 02 Indian fishing boats poaching in northern waters
Prime Minister participates in high-level bilateral meetings at World Economic Forum
Dushmantha Chameera, Dhananjaya de Silva return for England ODIs
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
Editorial4 days agoIllusory rule of law
-
News5 days agoUNDP’s assessment confirms widespread economic fallout from Cyclone Ditwah
-
Business7 days agoKoaloo.Fi and Stredge forge strategic partnership to offer businesses sustainable supply chain solutions
-
Editorial5 days agoCrime and cops
-
Features4 days agoDaydreams on a winter’s day
-
Editorial6 days agoThe Chakka Clash
-
Features4 days agoSurprise move of both the Minister and myself from Agriculture to Education
-
Features3 days agoExtended mind thesis:A Buddhist perspective