HALTING SAPUGASKANDA OPERATIONS WAS SYSTEMATIC EFFORT - TISSA

Halting operations at the Sapugaskanda Refinery was a result of a systematic project, General Secretary of the UNP Tissa Attanayake stated. Speaking at a press conference held today (May 28) in Colombo, Attanayake said that the motive behind this operation was to sell the refining operations to the Arab company called Aramco. He demanded that the government reveal its plans to the rest of the country. Attanayake pointed out that by halting operations the government has opened the door for irregular deals.
He added that the government has hidden the actual losses incurred in the fire which broke out at Container Freight Station
1 which he revealed was between Rs.500 million to Rs.1 billion. The MP also highlighted the fire at the Colombo Kachcheri which was not properly investigated while claiming that many are now eyeing the relevant property.

Govt. planning to privatise Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery-Tissa Attanayake

The Government is making arrangements to privatise the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery (SOR), despite its assurance not do so while in the meantime is going ahead with its plans to construct a new oil refinery at Hambantota, the United National Party (UNP) said today.

“Some Government members are hoping to submit a Cabinet proposal for the privatization of the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery,” UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake told a news conference.

He said the delay in the import of crude oil and the shutting down of the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery were precursors for the privatisation.

Mr. Attanayake said the privatisation plan was creating ill-will among government members who oppose privatization of any government-owned institutions. According to Mr. Attanayke the SOR would be hand over to Saudi Aramco Oil Company