Over 40 Petrol Stations Tied to Opp Politicos

Over 40 Petrol Stations Tied to Opposition Politicians

by Staff Writer 03-03-2025 | 5:37 PM

COLOMBO (News 1st); Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arun Hemachandra, revealed a list of petrol stations allegedly allocated to opposition politicians or their close associates based on political connections during a parliamentary session today (3).

The Deputy Minister disclosed that over 40 petrol stations are linked to current and former opposition politicians and their associates.

In the Western Province, seven petrol stations are identified as being connected to former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Prasanna Ranatunga, Kumar Welgama, Harshana Rajakaruna, former Kaduwela Mayor and candidate Vernon Gunaratna, and their associates.

In the Southern Province, the list includes the personal security officer of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the sons of former Minister Piyasena Gamage, the brother of former Presidential Secretary Gamini Senarath, a former chairman of the Hambantota Pradeshiya Sabha, and the brother of MP Gayantha Karunathilaka, as well as the former Chief Minister of the Southern Province, H.G. Sirisena.

In the Eastern Province, four petrol stations are linked to political connections.

In the Northern Province, petrol stations are linked to political connections including former MP Charles Nirmalanathan and the brothers of MP Kader Mastan.

In the Northern Central Province, petrol stations are owned by the brother of former Minister Duminda Dissanayake, the brother of MP Kins Nelson, the brother of former MP Lal Dharmapriya, and the wife of Chandima Gamage.

In the North Western Province, the list includes the brothers and mother of former Minister Indika Bandaranaike and former Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam.

In the Central Province, a petrol station is operated in partnership with former Provincial Councilor D.C.U. Ileperuma.

In the Uva Province, the list reveals a connection to Ranjith Maddumabandara.

In the Sabaragamuwa Province, two petrol stations are owned by the sister of former Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi.