Calls for probe into controversial Govt-LIOC diesel deal

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Opposition trade union activist Ananda Palitha says large stocks of both diesel and petrol are available at the Kolonnawa and Muthurajawela storage tanks, but they are not efficiently delivered to filling stations.

The retired CPC employee said that the government should inquire into the continuing chaotic situation.

Kolonnawa and Muthurajawela are the main distribution points whereas sufficient storage facilities are maintained at district level to meet the demand.

Responding to another query, Palitha pointed out that earlier the government hadn’t been able to procure adequate stocks due to the shortage of USD. After having procured the required stocks, now those

responsible did not distribute fuel efficiently.

The unionist alleged that the Parliamentary Opposition, too, had failed to take up the issues on behalf of the public.

Palitha urged the government to inquire into the inordinate delay in delivering both petrol and diesel against the backdrop of the controversial agreement with the Lanka IOC to obtain diesel. Claiming that the CPC continued to suffer staggering losses due to the agreement reached several months ago, Palitha asked whether it had been scrutinized by the Attorney General’s department. “Cash-strapped CPC paid as much as Rs 79 more on each litre of diesel bought from the LIOC storage in Trincomalee than the retail price of a litre at Ceypetco stations. The losses are mounting,” Palitha said.

“I have all necessary documents to prove how the agreement has caused huge losses to the state coffers at a time the government is struggling to cope up with a severe balance of payments crisis,” Palitha said, urging the government to examine the circumstances leading to the agreement with India/LIOC.

Commenting on the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) directly seeking Indian intervention to procure a consignment of diesel to provide uninterrupted electricity during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year period next week, Palitha said that the government should be ashamed of this development.

That meant the PUCSL had no regard for the government and didn’t foresee any trouble as a result of taking on itself the responsibility of a Cabinet minister, Palitha said. The Opposition, too, should be concerned about this development, he added.