Sri Lanka has indicated that it will seek a waiver on oil imports from Iran in the face of the tightening US sanctions.
Arjuna
The matter has been widely discussed when a high-level delegation, led by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, met the leaders of the Indian government over the weekend.
During the delegation-level talks, the Sri Lankan government has officially sought advice from India over its strategy on purchasing oil from Iran in the light of the recently-announced US sanctions.
Petroleum Minister Arjuna Ranatunga, a member of the Sri Lankan delegation, has sought information on how India will act in the case of tighter sanctions from Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
US President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to anyone trading with Iran, following his re-imposition of sanctions on the country.
The US President tweeted, “Anyone doing business with Iran will NOT be doing business with the United States.”
Sri Lanka has a single, 50,000 bpd oil refinery in Sapugaskanda, built by Iran in 1969 to refine Iranian light crude.
Iran has also agreed to build a new oil refinery for Sri Lanka in addition to upgrading the ageing Sapugaskanda refinery.
Lankan1 / October 21, 2018
US is in trouble with Russian now on the issue of 1987 newclear missiles disarmament treaty..so; after its trade war with china US put its norse on Rusia ..alteady it has created unwanted tension with Iran.
Now; US foreign policy is precarious and shaking.
We should not take this admisntrsirom of Trump seriously ..
He has earned many enemies for US..
He is not a politician but a crafty capitalistic business man ..
So; we should not take it seriously ..
Public in.US know that ..
He will never earn a second term ..
His stupidity in politics is very much clear ..
He is not a clever politician at all..
So; why not ignore him….
Do not upset Iran because of US;
It has been a good friend for us for 50 years now ..
We need Iraq too ..
It has been number celylon tea importer from Sri Lanka ..
So; we cannot afford to earn any enemies in politics .
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Dodo / October 22, 2018
Iran is a very important trade partner of Sri Lanka. Iran also buys lots of Lanka tea in addition to selling cheap light crude. Lanka MUST ignore Trump’s sanctions, (just like European Union)., and work for the best interests of Sri Lankan people and economy.
Under Trump US has emerged as a rogue State and violator of Human Rights, US Human rights double standards are visible to all with its racist immigration policies against Latin America.
Trump’s US which is the biggest arms exporter in the world supports Saudi Arabia which is the biggest exporter of terrorism in the world today according to US State Department officials, even as events in Istanbul show.
Trump has torn up the nukes limitation treaty with Russia
Trump has withdrawn from the treaty with Iran.
Also, Lanka is in debt trap and bailout business because of Washington’s Consensus IMF and WB and its Asian proxy ADB and JICA and it was the Japanese Nomura rating agency that started crash of Lankan rupee with Fake News about the amount of debt SL has. Nomura ratings has been challenged by Central Bank for its fake figures. Japan has 25 percent of SL debt and China only 10.3 percent, but there is a lot of Fake news about China been spun by the US,Japan, India axis which wants to own and operate Lanka to benefit Global 1 percent.
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JD / October 22, 2018
I think Arjuna Ranatunga is being taken to the Ranil camp which caters for western interests. there is a lot to this.
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Rajash / October 22, 2018
Tell Donald Trump to fly a kite……on the Chinese owned Galle Face sea front ….from where he may be able get a glimpse of the Sapugaskanda Iranian built oil refinery…
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JD / October 22, 2018
Even India is importing from Iran. Now, USA wants Iran busted for helping Syria, USA does not want Sri lanka to import Oil from Iran eventhough even Sapugas Kanda is built to suit Iranian Crude. Arjuna Ranatunga became the puppet for UNP for more than Once. India will never say anything against IRan. Srui lanka is governed by USA, British and European embassies.
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Fathima / October 22, 2018
Please prioritize people’s plight and take a decision, and ignore this man who is not a world body. – this doesn’t need a guinea pig strategy. Tomorrow, Saudi king will impose a sanction and ask us to abide by or send back 6 million workers – what do we do?
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The Oracle / October 22, 2018
Six million Sri Lankan workers in Saudi Arabia ? That is almost one fourth of our population !
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edwin rodrigo / October 22, 2018
This highly inflated number of 6 million is because of the Aralu Syndrome. Fatima has been to Saudi on an Aralu day when everyone in labour camps is supposed to take a dose of Aralu before going to bed in the night.
.
By sunrise everyone would have had to go to the toilet at least 10 time. Because of the huge number of toilet visits a queue builds up with people waving their LED torches impatiently and that is where the Aralu syndrome takes over, the shit goes out and inflation comes in.
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Sam Fernando / October 22, 2018
Edwin,
long time no see. Regarding my posts, to tell you, I am taken aback all these weeks. And did not pay much attention to CT articles either.
Anyways, I wish I could know what Aralu syndrome means.
You seem to have a voccabulary which is unique to you. And I do read your comments though bit late. Now with our weather in Europe turning to rainy these days, I am thinking of planning my next trip to SL either in December or earlier. Hope to enjoy a lot having healthy food down there, I would also love to incl your favourite -Kerankoku maluwa in them.
Btw, I have already found very good web sites of some villagers , that offer good village food. These villagers cook them using their clay pots. I love to try them all during my upcoming trip.
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edwin rodrigo / October 22, 2018
Sam,
.
I will tell you the Aralu story later.
.
I will be returning to SL for good end of December. Hope to see you at least in your 2nd visit if not in this.
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Fathima / October 22, 2018
Edwin,
MBS is trying to help you do it without any Aralu by sending search bots to track who comments against him – Check back in CT , you and I have done it but I am not in KSA’s official bar
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Fathima / October 22, 2018
Ha..ha..sorry, 600,000 in fact
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edwin rodrigo / October 22, 2018
Don’t forget, I said at least 10 times. The average could be even 100.
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Tom jones / October 22, 2018
Don’t worry. US will not be able to dictate terms to other countries. Saudi Arabia the strongest ally of US has got into serious trouble over the murder of Jamal Kashoggi.The Murder of Lasantha Wickramatunga is comparable to the dastardly killing of Jamal kashoggi. The killing has sparked protests from powerful countries like Britain, France and Germany. The entire world has condemned the killing of Kashoggi by the Saudi govt in their embassy in Istanbul. The time bomb is ticking for USA and the rogue kingdom Saudi Arabia. They have been caught with their pants down. Now the entire world is against Saudi Arabia and USA.
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Samuel Jayaweera / October 22, 2018
Tom Jones,
I wonder why Germany, UK and other powerful nations did not yet put the pressure on lanken govt regarding the Murder of Lasantha Wickramantunge but on this journalist in Saudi ?
Why the international community seems to be that doublestandard the harm being experienced by those journos world wide ?
Had the pressure been exercised on SLGO as the the case with that tourist murder in Hambantota – surely, they could find the killer sooner regarding LW s day light murder.
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Fathima / October 22, 2018
Had Sri Lankan LW been killed in a country waiting to turn up heat on SL, this could have happened.
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Real Revolutionist / October 22, 2018
Why should we seek Indian advice when the problem is caused by the US’ harsh behavior?
Before all ask the US to supply oil for us.
US should take the responsibility for problems caused upon other countries through their discriminating concept of trade sanctions.
Is it wise letting India to intervene?
Be far sighted Mr. minister.
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Native Vedda / October 22, 2018
Real Revolutionist
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“Before all ask the US to supply oil for us.”
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Why should US supply oil to this island?
They have long stick or Nunchakus, permanently in fighting postures, willing and able to break your head, neck and every bone in your tiny body and destroy your habitat, livelihood, ……………….. like the Sri Lankan state. No one to question them nor stop them.
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Remember India has several oil tanks in Trinco and I guess had already made special arrangement with USA regarding Iranian Oil supply. Some years ago Hindians promised oil supply open if this island had any problem.
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Are you in the business of inventing fire, wheel, and attempting to solv Fermat’s Last Theorem?
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JD / October 22, 2018
UNP economic vision wants American dollars to buy Iranian Oil. that is why they proposed a Saudi Arabian Oil Refinery near Chinese Harbour of Hambanthota. I am pretty sure, this is what some one wants tghe Sri lankan CAT PAW to do. They may be saying ” You are bankrupt because of your stupid politicians who implemented our policies. Yet, do it the way we want.”
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Steve / October 22, 2018
It is a “catch 22” situation. Iran or USA ? Let’s see how our smart politicians will handle it, otherwise without sufficient oil the country will come to a standstill. Worse than the dollar crisis.
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rbh / October 22, 2018
US can Provide and other benefits advancing equal opportunity and economic empowerment as we are abiding there wants, request to buy sri lanka product more to US
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JD / October 22, 2018
Elelction is nearby. Every politicians need very important CASH to run the election. Sri lanka had schools even before 1948. IT is British who established the first University. Out Politicians and VIYATHUN are roaming all over the world looking for the best education system. Colombo abd Jaffna have all the “A” grade schools. Besides, colombo has over 100 International Schools to help elite KIds from colombo. I hear around DS Senanayake school, there are so many poor children who can not attend the school which is very near, even though they lived their for decades they lack so many important documents. The problem for international school is Condoms and pregnencies or LGBTQ rights. On the other hands, poor kids after the education is over they become NAATAMIs in the near by places. THE important thing is KARIAYAWASAM is getting DOLLARS 100 million from the world bank to do something with the Sri lankan school system. WHY HE DOES NOT BUILD 100 TUITION CLASSES ALL OVER SRI LANKA SPENDING ONE MILLION DOLLARS FOR EACH. oNLY NINE PROVINCES AND 25 DISTRICTS, I SUPPOSE. Watch to see who gets the contracts. Each MP has his MP salary, he is the boss for the DEvelopment committe for the nearby elelctorate as he does not have his specific elelcotrate. He is also the OBSERVATION MINISTER FOR SOME GOVT INSTITUTIONS OR MINISTRIES.
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edwin rodrigo / October 22, 2018
Sri Lanka has a single, 50,000 bpd oil refinery in Sapugaskanda, built by Iran in 1969 to refine Iranian light crude.
This is wrong. It was financed by the then UNP government and constructed by Snam Progetti of Italy.
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Desperate Sinhalaya / October 22, 2018
Why arab countries did not invest YET in SL storage tanks in Tricommalle ? Number fo those taks could offer them lot more chances to store up huge quantities of oil to the entire region not allowing Singpore to handle it anymore. That way, we the srilankens could earn lots of foreign exchange.
Our people talk always high, but why not to have made monies out of those empty storage tanks over the last 4 decades ?
And why lanken successive govt failed to get a bid from those countries even if SRILANKA has been dealing closely with those ME countries for the last 3 decades. Reporters confirm over 5 lacks of lanken skilled workers are now in ME.
As JVPrs revealed it in a SATANA program lately, if SINGAPORE can make that profits by being the suppliers of gasoline as storage holders, why our donkeys never thought of offering the kind of storage facitlities making use of those 105 big tanks located in Trincomallie. That alone could bring billions of FE to the country. No need to export lanken women to ME countries anymore. We could maintain lanken pride.
Dont you think so Mr Rodrigo. I would love if you as a senior lanken professional if you could please add your genuine thoughts on this
Please offer your own expertise having lived and worked there that long in order to bring good systems to the country.
Thanks.
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nosey parker / October 22, 2018
Is Sri Lanka sure about anything these days . One blunder to the next .
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lanka / October 22, 2018
Sri Lanka can not change its foreign policy to the tune of Trump. He may go by next election. He is not supported by many Americans. he will lose his election. he makes political suicide by his wrong politics.
we should be careful when we deal with ME issue. We should protect our interest.. To go with India is good.India will get oil from Iran even if US oppose it.. So we will.
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Raj / October 22, 2018
Why would Ranathunga seek advise from Indians directly? The President & the PM are expected to decide our foreign policy & make it clear to all the Ministers who should abide by it. Bi lateral talks, particularly, regarding international issues, should be at the highest level, not at Ministerial level. Obviously, there would be policy advisers, usually civil servants with expert knowledge on the subject, at such high level talks but they are in the capacity of observers & advise as necessary, not take part directly in the discussions. Did the PM take this ‘high level delegation’ to discuss oil imports from India or to discuss our foreign policy with Indians, in which case, why include dumb Ministers? We should not be seen as influenced by others when it comes to our foreign policy.
The way I understand is, this yob seems to have taken the opportunity score some ‘brownie points’ by directly asking advise from foreigners, bypassing the PM. Is he so dumb that he doesn’t seem to understand the basic protocols of governance? He should be sacked immediately for ignorance, bordering incompetence, in holding an important ministerial portfolio. I would have certainly lost my job if I spoke out of turn or jumped the gun without going through my superiors.
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English Johnny / October 22, 2018
Why does he not ask India’s advice when he needs to leave a fart ??????????????????????????
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Native Vedda / October 22, 2018
English Johnny
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“Why does he not ask India’s advice when he needs to leave a fart “
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Some say India is still a free country, hence no need to get permission to fart unlike Sri Lanka under VP and MR and Dr Go.
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Do you think India is interested in your fart?
Johnny English
knows no fear, knows no danger and knows nothing.
Someone somewhere got it about right.
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Siri / October 22, 2018
Lots of comments from some keyboard warriors show as they are ever ready to go for all out war with the US. Buddies keep in mind our biggest market is the US and all out exports, imports and international trades are in the US dollar. If they stop our exports to them and push the Fed to stop us using the US dollar and by chance, if the US tightened the screws against us where we would end up. There going to be chaos, unrests and looting on the streets, and lot of them would stave to death. Think of the reality and talk sense, and not nonsense. Of course all know that the US is a bully but no choice for us, we have to get along with them to survive. What big countries couldn’t, do, our buddies are suggesting SL to do. Buddies China sells USD 180 billions worth of goods only to Walmart, that’s equals to the GDP of 70 countries, over halfer trillion to whole US, where else they would get a market like that. Even with Trump’s bulldozer moves, China is acting with extreme care so that things wouldn’t get worst..
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JD / October 23, 2018
MODAYA SIRI: HIW many ‘Billions of Dollars we sell to US and how many billions of Dollars US sell to us. Now Bangkadeash sells all the victoria secret Lingeries. Stupid Sri lanka closed most of the cheap Clothin Manufactuers n every area.
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K.Pillai / October 22, 2018
The call to boycott Iran is not from UN – certainly not UNHRC. We find ourselves in a difficult position. Is there much value in shouting “We are sovereign”.
We must seek advice from China as well.
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