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Modi to discuss Trinco oil tank farm

20 April 2017 08:32 am - 11     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to have bilateral discussions with the Lankan leaders on the sidelines of UN Vesak Day celebrations here, on matters of mutual interests and concern, including the proposal for joint development of the oil tank farm in Trincomalee, it is learnt.  

Mr. Modi will arrive in the country on May 12 on a two-day visit in view of the UN Vesak Day Celebrations in the country. This is his second visit to Sri Lanka during his tenure. He undertook a state visit to the country in March, 2015, two months after the formation of the new government here. According to informed sources, Sri Lanka is the only country in India’s neighbourhood to be visited by him on two occasions. His 2015 state visit was also the first in 28 years by an Indian Prime Minister.   

Currently, the two governments have initiated discussions on the development of the Upper Tank Farm area of Trincomalee under a Joint Venture to be formed for the purpose with Lanka Indian Oil Company (LIOC) which is already using a part of the tank farm according to an agreement signed in 2003. Ahead of Mr. Modi’s visit, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will travel to New Delhi for discussions.   

Asked about the current status of the project, LIOC Managing Director Shyam Bohra told Daily Mirror his company had refurbished the Lower Tank farm for Trincomalee Oil Terminal. He said he was awaiting the approval of the Sri Lanka government to develop the Upper Tank Farm area.   

“During the past years, LIOC has submitted, from time to time, various proposals to the government of Sri Lanka for development of the Upper Tank farm but the same were not approved. Now, it has been decided at government level that the project shall be undertaken through a Joint Venture. Discussions are being held between the government of India and the government of Sri Lanka,” he said.   

Responding to the query about the total cost of the proposed project, he said the rehabilitation of 84 tanks in the Upper Tank farm area, along with pipelines, Jetty and other ancillary facilities, would cost around US $ 300-350 million.   

“The project will have to compete with ports like Singapore and Fujairah, and this requires meticulous planning and execution. Tanks will be developed in line with the requirement of Sri Lanka,” he said.   

According to the agreement signed in 2003, the Tank Farm should be given on lease to LIOC for 35 years. (Kelum Bandara)


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  Comments - 11

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  • Arjun Thursday, 20 April 2017 10:15 AM

    He has enough pockets of support here.

    Jude Thursday, 20 April 2017 11:09 AM

    Is it only the oil tanks farm and not the Trinco harbor

    SD Thursday, 20 April 2017 11:26 AM

    So that's why he is hear. If time permits to celebrate Vesak too..

    pathirana Thursday, 20 April 2017 11:45 AM

    We are already paying so much more to IOC we should not go for a joint venture with india as for Sri Lankas security reasons and we should keep it within Neavy protection. This is the port all super powers are after and it is time of our leaders act very carefully don

    Ajja Thursday, 20 April 2017 11:49 AM

    We need Indians help simply because we cannot stand on our own.The reason why we delay this is because some body is expecting some thing.Shame......

    sunil Thursday, 20 April 2017 05:28 PM

    He is coming here twice because he is business minded - not that he loves us as the journalist foolishly portrays. He is a shrewd businessman like any gujarati.

    Dalit Thursday, 20 April 2017 05:53 PM

    Mayawathie lost badly in recent elections Uttra Pradesh. She has donr a lot to Budhism and Budhdists there. BJP won by blaming Mayawahie is corrupt.In the last election here Indian backed current government won on the same basis.Will Ranil and Sirisena ask Modi to stop reconversion of Budhists back to Hindus by RSS and BJP in the name of Vesak.

    lokka Thursday, 20 April 2017 06:42 PM

    Ajja, may be you cannot stand aone, but we Sri lankan patriots can. We dont want a prop up from India or any other.

    Shelly. Thursday, 20 April 2017 06:56 PM

    Dear PM of great India. .you are welcome. And three things to be fulfilled on the 1st day of visit. 1. apologise for interfearing by Govts. before you.2 assurance that Indian fishermen would not fish in our seas.3. that India will not play the part of GOD FATHER to SL Tamils. Expect this visit will establish true and open hearted friendship. via DM Android App

    rosebud Thursday, 20 April 2017 07:33 PM

    So this is the real reason for the visit - Vesak is on the side lines. via DM Android App

    JO Supporter Thursday, 20 April 2017 10:08 PM

    Sri Lanka, the 30th state of Imperial India.


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