An Australian investor in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone lashed out at the authorities of the subject Ministry for not granting permission to go ahead with installing fuel stations in BOI zones.
Secretary FTZMA, Dhammika Fernando said that this investor has pledged USD 50 million to put up fuel stations to provide backup fuel for only BOI zones. He has already invested around USD 30 million and is awaiting final approval to complete construction and open the fuel stations.
The concept of inviting investors from overseas and importing their own fuel was encouraged during the fuel crisis last year and several investors positively responded. “This Australian investor is one such party who is now stranded with not receiving the necessary approvals and this is a very sad state of affairs.”