CID finds irregularities in CPC, CPSTL

The Criminal Investigations Department has commenced probing into the activities of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited (CPSTL) after recording statements from Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera and Ceylon Petroleum Corporation Chairman Mohammed Uvais.

Minister Wijesekera also requested a full investigation from the CID regarding the activities of the Petroleum Corporation and the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited.

The investigation has been assigned to a police team led by Assistant Superintendent of Police Merrill Ranjan Lamahewa under the supervision of CID Director SSP Kavinda Piyasekera.

CID sources revealed that this investigation team is currently studying the tender process of fuel purchase as well as fuel ordering, supplier selection strategy and payment method in depth.

During the investigation of the basic facts, the |CID officers have been able to identify many irregularities in the activities of the Petroleum Corporation and the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited The CID has decided to obtain the support of the Attorney General’s Department for the investigation.

Sources said that the facts regarding the import of fuel stocks to the country and the manner in which payments were made in the past will also be investigated.

Sources said that investigators are ready to get the assistance from some trade union activists.The official said that since the trade unions are the most vocal about the irregularities in the purchase and ordering of the fuel, as they are a very important part of this, their assistance in obtaining information will be important for the progress of the investigations.