Sri Lanka has firmly rejected media claims suggesting an agreement was reached to construct an Indian oil pipeline during recent bilateral talks. Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath clarified that no such deal was finalized during President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to India, dismissing reports as inaccurate.
The controversy stems from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement on November 16, where he outlined plans for enhanced energy collaboration between the two nations, including connecting power grids and laying a petroleum pipeline. Modi’s remarks followed his meeting with President Dissanayake in New Delhi, marking the Sri Lankan leader’s first official visit since assuming office after a decisive election victory in September.
While India’s state-run Petronet LNG has agreed to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Colombo’s power plants via its Kochi terminal for five years, discussions on broader energy projects remain preliminary. According to Minister Herath, a proposal involving India, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to construct a multi-product energy pipeline has been introduced but is still under review, with no formal agreement in place.
Herath emphasized the importance of continuing dialogue on energy collaboration but dismissed allegations of a finalized deal for Indian oil pipelines in Sri Lanka as false. He made these clarifications during a special briefing held on November 20 at the Department of Government Information.
The official joint statement issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs highlighted mutual interest in strengthening energy cooperation. Both leaders agreed on the need for reliable and affordable energy to ensure energy security and meet public demands.
Specific areas of focus include implementing the Sampur solar power project and exploring its expansion based on Sri Lanka’s needs. Other proposals under discussion involve LNG supply, offshore wind power development in the Palk Strait, and a potential high-capacity power grid interconnection.
The Indo-Lanka-UAE pipeline proposal aims to facilitate affordable and sustainable energy supply, addressing regional energy challenges. While the project could hold significant strategic and economic benefits, its feasibility and timeline remain subjects of ongoing deliberations.
While India and Sri Lanka have pledged to deepen energy ties, claims of a concrete oil pipeline agreement are unsubstantiated. The dialogue reflects both nations’ commitment to exploring innovative energy solutions while prioritizing environmental conservation and regional energy security.
