Ravi K intervenes to resolve dispute of people affected by proposed crude oil pipeline project

Minister of Finance Ravi Karunanayake has intervened in resolving a dispute between the authorities and the people who will be affected by proposed oil pipeline.

During a meeting convened by the Minister in his capacity as a people’s representative in parliament, the Minister reiterated that the residents of the area where the proposed oil pipeline is to be laid, should be removed only after providing them with permanent shelter.

A new oil pipeline has been proposed to be laid from Colombo Port to Orugodawatta Oil Terminal as the old pipeline has been leaking.

The Minister met with the representatives of the Department of Sri Lanka Railways, Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminal Company and Urban Development Authority to discuss the residents’ concerns.

The Minister pointed out that any attempt to remove the residents from the area without providing them with permanent housing could create disputes.

It was revealed during the meeting that over 130 families will be affected due to the laying of the proposed pipeline and 44 houses should be completely demolished to pave the way for the new oil pipeline.

Minister Karunanayake said that the families of the houses identified to be demolished for the project should be evacuated from the area to begin the construction only after permanent houses are provided to them.