The Sri Lankan government has held discussions with Indian officials to get back the control of the strategic Trincomalee fuel tanks that had been leased out to Indian Oil, reported Colombopage. 

Sri Lankan Energy Minister and co-Cabinet Spokesperson Udaya Gammanpila has stated that the government would acquire these tanks soon. He also said Sri Lanka officials have successfully conducted the discussions on the same with Indian High Commissioner Gopal Bagley. 

On the other hand, the India High Commission in Colombo released a statement, saying, “In this context, consultation and discussion have been undertaken to promote mutually beneficial cooperation for the development and operation of the Upper Oil Tank Farms in Trincomalee. We look forward to continuing our productive engagement with Sri Lanka in this regard.” 

Significantly, the statement by the Indian High Commission didn’t confirm the transfer as claimed by the Sri Lankan energy minister.