Responding the accusations made by JVP Parliamentarian Bimal Rathnayaka, Minister of Petroleum Resources Development Arjuna Ranatunga stated that he will not grant the Trincomalee oil tanks to an Indian oil company.
He made this comments at the occasion of providing relief to the workers of CPC who were victims of political revenged.
The minister stated that his principal is not to betray the country’s betterment and that he aims to develop the tank terminal for the betterment of the country.
“We are always trying make corrections, if we have done a mistake. After we came into power, we have ceased corruptions and illicit fuel mixing which were occurring earlier,” the minister stated.
He stated that Parliamentarian Bimal Rathnayaka, at a press conference recently, blamed him for selling Trincomalee oil tanks to an Indian company.
“Even Trinco oil tanks were granted to an Indian company in 2013, they have not done a mere development. Indian Oil Company is making profits by the Trico oil tanks terminal. JVP could change the agreement together with the ex-President Chandrika Bandaranayaka if there were mistakes in 2013.”
“I’m taking steps to change the agreement as beneficial to the country. Indian Oil Company is using 15 tanks. Cabinet has approved to establish a public institution to join hands with the CPC to develop the other 16 tanks. Remaining 69 tanks will be operated by a joint venture,” Ranatunga added.
“I could neglect this tank terminal since we have 2 years. But I have not done so for the betterment of the country,” he was quoted as saying in a statement.
Minister further added: “We should develop the tank terminal. Agreement was signed during the war time. If we have not granted it to an Indian company, it would have been run by LTTE. Please look into this matter with a good eye. A worker of CPC who is a member of Pradeshiya Sabha accused us of theft. Previous Investigation unit officers have engaged in corruptions. We have re-organized the Investigation unit. As a result of this, Fuel mixing complaints are reduced. Secretary and I are aware of the difficulties face by us and the attempts of external parties to bring forward a third party. We can’t work as others desires”.
