COLOMBO: On the eve of the departure of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickemesinghe to New Delhi, seven petroleum sector trade unions embarked on a strike demanding the government takes back oil tanks from the IndianOils’s Lankan subsidiary (LIOC).

The demand comes amidst allegations that the LIOC is making profits while the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) is making losses. Although the strike came into effect on Monday, it was called off after assurances from the government that the demands of the CPC will be considered.

The prime minister’s visit to India envisages strengthening and finalising of several trade agreements, but anti-Indian sentiments are rising in Sri Lanka, mainly towards the 2003 LIOC agreement as well as the proposed Economic and Technology Cooperation Framework Agreement (ETCA).

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2017