Kanchana calls for CID probe on saboteurs

COLOMBO (News 1st); Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera has requested the IGP to conduct an investigation via the Criminal Investigations Department against individuals who disrupted the process of distributing fuel from the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited in Kolonnawa on the 28th of March. 

A letter to the IGP notes that a group that engaged in a fast opposite the CPSTL premises forced their way in to the safe zone where fuel distribution was taking place, and chase away the employees.

In addition, the group of had also turned back the fuel tankers that arrived to obtain their consignment of fuel.

Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera also noted that an attempt made to damage the fuel distribution pipes, and the automates system in order to disrupt the fuel distribution process which was declared as an essential services.

The letter notes that among those who stormed the premises were Trade Union Representatives, employees on leave after submitting nominations to contest the Local Government Election, as well as retired petroleum workers.

The Ministry notes as a result of the act of sabotage the fuel distribution process was disrupted leading to the formation of fuel queues.

He noted that legal measures are being taken to recover the losses from the said individuals.