Oil fiasco Arjuna to call in the CID

Minister of Petroleum Resources Development Arjuna Ranatunga will call in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to conduct a full investigation into the fuel crisis that gripped the country last week, alleging that a suspected oil mafia was behind the issue.
Ceylon Today learns that Minister Ranatunga had mentioned his intention for such an investigation during a meeting with President Maithripala Sirisena last week. Accordingly, the President had told Ranatunga to inform the CID in writing requesting such an investigation.

This entire crisis was caused as a result of SMS that was circulated among the public stating that a CPC strike was imminent.
Speaking to Ceylon Today, Minister Ranatunga said, the CID should also find out from where this SMS originated and the breakdown at the oil refinery.

Furthermore, the investigations should also focus on the sudden breakdown of the computer system, the decision by the Lanka IOC to cancel a replacement cargo, and the continued presence of the controversial oil tanker at the Trincomalee Harbour, he said.
“When such developments take place, these are definitely not isolated incidents,” Ranatunga added.

“I am not pointing fingers at the LIOC. However, I do not like the manner in which these incidents occurred. Even while so many things have happened, the LIOC has opted to hold on to the ship at Trincomalee. I am curious,” he noted.
He also said that if India, China or anyone else did something harmful to the country he will openly declare it. “Economic assassins, saboteurs, opportunists, conspirators and those who obtain commissions are behind the chain of events that took place last week,” he declared.