Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arun Hemachandra, revealed in Parliament today (March 3) that over 40 petrol stations across Sri Lanka have been allegedly allocated to opposition politicians and their close associates through political connections.
According to the minister, in the Western Province, petrol stations are linked to figures such as former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Prasanna Ranatunga, Kumar Welgama, Harshana Rajakaruna, and former Kaduwela Mayor Vernon Gunaratna.
In the Southern Province, the list includes associates of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the sons of ex-Minister Piyasena Gamage, the brother of former Presidential Secretary Gamini Senarath, and other politically connected individuals.
In the Eastern and Northern Provinces, petrol stations are linked to former MP Charles Nirmalanathan, MP Kader Mastan’s brothers, and other political connections.
In the North Central and Norath Western Provinces, fuel stations are allegedly owned by the brother of former Minister Duminda Dissanayake, relatives of MP Kins Nelson, and the family of former Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam.
The Central, Uva, and Sabaragamuwa Provinces are also implicated, with fuel stations linked to former Provincial Councilor D.C.U. Ileperuma, Ranjith Maddumabandara, and the sister of ex-Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi.
The revelation has sparked controversy, raising questions about political favoritism and corruption in fuel station allocations across the country.
