"No short term solutions" - Energy Min.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya MPs questioned the government if the United States of America exerted undue influence to obtain the tender of the Oil Refinery in Sapugaskanda. "Neither the Prime Minister nor the President has influenced the Minister in making decisions related to his Ministry, adding that they have only advised him, responding to these questions", Minister of Energy Udaya Gammanpila said. "I have informed the Prime Minister and the President regarding what was discussed between the Ambassadors. These Ambassadors presented themselves representing various powerful companies in their countries", the Minister said. He has, however, informed the ambassadors that the tender process will be open for all as this is the largest project the country has embarked upon. "It is true that the American Ambassador wrote to me and met with me, but I will guarantee you that his conduct will not be influenced by any external parties", the Minister said. Meanwhile, Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Chaminda Wijesiri questioned the Energy Minister if prices of fuel will be brought down. "We don't have short term solutions. We only have mid-term and long term solutions", the Energy Minister said in response. "In two and a half years the government will be able to complete the oil refinery requirement within the country", he added. "The government expects to save 350 million USD per year through the project", he further said. "This long term solution will completely solve the issue on this matter", the Energy Minister stressed.