India to continue its engagement with SL over oil tanks

By Kelum Bandara  

In the immediate aftermath of Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila saying that Sri Lanka would acquire the oil tanks leased out to India, the Indian High Commission said that it looks forward to continuing its productive engagement with Sri Lanka in this regard.  

A spokesman for the High Commission who responded to the media queries in this regard said India is committed to working together with Sri Lanka for the island’s energy security.  
“In this context, consultation and discussions have been undertaken to promote mutually beneficial cooperation for development and operation of the Upper Oil Tank Farms in Trincomalee. We look forward to continuing our productive engagement with Sri Lanka in this regard,” he said.  

At a function, Mr. Gammanpila said the Indian High Commissioner was flexible during negotiations on the takeover of the tanks leased out to India. He said the Indian envoy agreed to the proposals submitted by the Sri Lankan side.  

The Minister said the tank farm would be developed in collaboration with Lanka Indian Oil Company (LIOC). 

• The tank farm would be developed in collaboration with Lanka Indian Oil Company
• Consultation and discussions have been undertaken to promote mutually beneficial cooperation for development and operation of the Upper Oil Tank Farms