Monday Mar 23, 2026
Monday Mar 23, 2026
Monday, 23 March 2026 03:46 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
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Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath
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Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has told The Hindu that Sri Lanka is looking to fast-track the redevelopment of the Trincomalee oil tank farm as a long-term solution to its ongoing energy crisis, with backing from India and the United Arab Emirates.
He said the project, which involves restoring World War II-era oil storage facilities in the eastern district, is seen as a “permanent solution” to managing fuel supply challenges.
“Temporary solutions are not sustainable. We need a long-term strategy to deal with oil storage and distribution given the global energy situation,” he told The Hindu.
The initiative follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed in April 2025 between Sri Lanka, India, and the UAE to develop Trincomalee as a regional energy hub.
Despite delays spanning decades, the project has gained renewed urgency amid the current global energy crisis, which has disrupted supply chains and driven up fuel costs.
Sri Lanka has already submitted a concept proposal to its partners, while technical aspects are being reviewed by the Energy Ministry ahead of moving to the tender stage, the report said.
The renewed push also signals a policy shift, as the ruling administration led by the National People’s Power had previously opposed Indian involvement in the project.
