While explaining that all 100 oil tanks in Trincomalee have already been handed over to India based on Indo Lanka agreements signed in 1987 and 2003, Minister of Energy Udaya Gammanpila stated that the Government’s focus is to reacquire these tanks.
He made these statements at a press conference held today (04).
Gammanpila also dismissed allegations leveled against him which claimed that he, together with the Indian Foreign Secretary, visited the tanks.
“A certain Opposition Parliamentary showed a photograph of a helicopter claiming it was myself and the Indian Foreign Secretary travelling to Trincomalee. I wish to responsibly state that I have not travelled in a helicopter with anyone since I was appointed as the Minister,” he said.
He also added that the Foreign Secretary has not even requested a discussion with him.
“According to information from India, my subject will not be a matter which will be discussed,” Gammanpila explained.
Meanwhile, in response to Ven. Dr Omalpe Sobitha Thero claims which suggest that this is an attempt to give away 85 oil tanks to India, Gammanpila stated that the country does not have that many tanks to give away.
“We do not possess 85 tanks to give away. I want remind him that the UNP has already done that,” he said.