Construction has begun on a new Jet A-1 aviation-fuel pipeline system and two new oil-storage tank systems at Muthurajawela.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake attended the commencement of construction on October 2.
The infrastructure belongs to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited.
The project is intended to strengthen infrastructure associated with the handling and supply of aviation fuel and petroleum products.
Speaking at the event, President Dissanayake said the Government intends to maintain a strong State presence in Sri Lanka's energy market while improving the efficiency of services provided to the public.
That position represents the Government's energy-sector policy.
The President also referred to the historical financial difficulties of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, including accumulated debts that he said had reached approximately Rs.840 billion in the past.
The new pipeline and storage facilities are under construction.
They should not be described as already operational.
The commencement of construction is the current infrastructure development.
Statements about the future role of State-owned energy institutions, their efficiency or the effects of the project should be attributed to the Government rather than presented as independently established outcomes.
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