During a site visit to observe the operations of the terminal, the Minister commented that the government’s approach to retain the control of profit-making state institutions under the government will potentially ensure a significant and continuous inflow of foreign exchange into the country through the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation’s aviation fuel supply terminal situated at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake.
The Minister further emphasized that while the previous government had planned to grant permission to two more foreign companies to operate, depriving the country of the significant amount of foreign exchange it earns through the aviation fuel distribution, the historic victory of the people’s mandate prevented such plans from becoming a reality.
The National People’s Power government, which rose to power by defeating such scheme aimed at handing over the country’s income-generating resources for other parties for personal gain, will take action to further enhance this project in an organized manner, along with necessary infrastructure and strategies in place, ensuring that it generates a continued flow of foreign exchange for the country, he added.
Stating that the highest internationally accepted quality control methods are being used in the fuel dispensing process for aircraft, and that steps have been taken to expand the fuel storage capacity to approximately 13 million liters, the Minister further emphasized that preliminary groundwork has been laid to upgrade the fuel pipeline system to meet the modernization needs of the Bandaranaike Airport over the next 20 years. He also mentioned that a plan will be implemented to bring fuel to this terminal via a special pipeline system from Muthurajawela.
The Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, Mr. D.J.A.S. De S. Rajakaruna, Managing Director, Mr. Mayura Netthikumarage and other senior officers also participated in this site visit.