Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and Warehousing Company Chairman, D.J. Rajakaruna, has formally requested President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to launch an immediate investigation into alleged irregularities in fuel imports during 2022 and 2023.
On October 16, Rajakaruna’s concerns were conveyed in writing to the President. Following this, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to initiate a thorough inquiry.
In response to an inquiry, Chairman Rajakaruna confirmed that CID officers have already questioned him on preliminary matters and recorded his statement. He further mentioned that, beyond CID’s investigation, he has been instructed to conduct a forensic audit of the corporation’s transactions.
Rajakaruna noted that 2022 marked a historical low for Sri Lanka, as the nation declared bankruptcy amid a severe economic crisis. This led to the Petroleum Corporation’s insolvency and widespread fuel shortages due to the lack of foreign currency for imports.
In light of these events, Rajakaruna underscored that the investigation aims to verify allegations that officials may have profited by exploiting the crisis and to hold accountable those responsible, should any wrongdoing be confirmed.
