October 05, Colombo (LNW): In a significant step towards improving infrastructure and daily life for remote communities, plans are now in motion to establish the first-ever fuel station on Delft Island.
The initiative comes through a newly formalised agreement with the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO), announced by Minister of Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Ratnayake during a public address in Jaffna.
The project, which is being rolled out in partnership with the Sri Lanka Navy, is set to drastically reduce the time and cost involved in transporting fuel to the island. At present, residents must endure a logistical challenge that takes nearly seven hours simply to deliver fuel to the island’s power generator. The new facility is expected to cut that process down to just 45 minutes, once fully operational.
In its initial phase, the CPC will allocate Rs. 50 million towards construction and setup, with further expansion planned in a second phase. The station will offer fuel at standardised national rates—matching those in Colombo—bringing much-needed price parity and accessibility to an area that has long struggled with fuel shortages and inflated costs due to transport difficulties.
“This development represents more than just a fuel station,” said Minister Ratnayake. “It symbolises our government’s commitment to inclusive progress—connecting even the most isolated communities to national development efforts.”
He underscored the broader vision behind the initiative, describing it as part of a nationwide push to bridge regional divides and strengthen social cohesion. “We are building a country where people can travel freely from Nagadeepa to Amman Kovil, not only in peace but in unity,” he said, referring to significant religious and cultural landmarks in the north.
The Minister also called on the public to support what he described as a government rooted in unity and clean governance—one that seeks to dismantle barriers, be they economic, regional, or communal.
