Minister Kumara Jayakody getting down into a large tank through a small hole. (video)

Energy Minister Engineer Kumara Jayakody recently joined an inspection tour of the Trincomalee oil tank complex. A video clip of the minister getting down into an oil tank through a small hole is circulating in the media.

The minister’s office has also issued a statement regarding the visit, and the statement states that the Trincomalee oil tank complex is expected to be redeveloped under Trinco Petroleum Terminal Limited, a joint venture between India and Sri Lanka, and that it is expected to earn foreign exchange.

These oil tanks, built during the British era, need to be renovated for modern use. Minister Jayakody also observed the renovation work currently underway, including the construction of pipelines, during this visit.

The statement states that in the future, this oil tank complex is expected to be integrated into the port’s operations. The Minister further stated that this will give Sri Lanka a unique position in international shipping and trade.

The statement issued by the Minister’s office also states that this complex will be integrated into a seamless fuel supply chain.

Several previous governments had tried to develop the Trincomalee oil tankers in collaboration with another company on several occasions, but all of them failed due to serious objections. Finally, the Ranil Wickremesinghe government of 2001 – 2004 took steps to hand over several oil tankers to the IOC Company. One of the tankers was destroyed by Japanese air strikes during the war.