Moves afoot to build six oil storage tanks and refinery says Sri Lanka’s Petroleum Minister
Petroleum Resources Development Minister Arjuna Ranatunga has said that steps would be taken to build six more storage tanks and commence work on the proposed oil refinery system.
The Minister has reportedly told employees of Ceylon Petroleum Cooperation (CPC) that he would see the implementation of the projects even though he was under pressure from different people to abandon them.
“We have started work on constructing oil tanks after 40 years. I assure you we will commence the construction of six more oil tanks within six months. We will also construct the proposed refinery system. Some people have tried exerting pressure to stop this construction saying it would be better to import oil at higher prices,” he has said.
Meanwhile, Petroleum Resources Development Deputy Minister Dr. Anoma Gamage has also encouraged employees to be productive in their work performance, stressing that shortcomings still existed despite vast improvements being recorded last year. She also called on the workers to work like a private organisation, claiming she was partial to privatising all government institutions.
“We have to work as a private institution although this is a government institution,” she has said.
OSL take:
The statement by the Petroleum Resources Development Minister indicates the opening up of opportunities in the petroleum sector in Sri Lanka. The move to build six petroleum storage tanks as well as the proposed oil refinery have created investment opportunities for investors as well as serve as goods and services suppliers for the projects.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20180103/Z-3 |