UNP refused entry to Sapugaskanda

Friday, 18 July 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A group of UNP MPs had to return to Colombo after they were refused entry to the Sapugaskanda oil refinery yesterday. The UNP MPs including Ajith P. Perera and Dr. Harsha de Silva had attempted to visit the oil refinery as part of an inspection tour but were advised against it by officials and the Police on security grounds.

Prior to heading to the Sapugaskanda oil refinery, a group of employees attached to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) staged a protest outside the refinery in protest over the visit. However, the UNP MPs went ahead with the tour but were blocked at the entrance by the protestors. The Police later advised the MPs to turn back owing to concerns over the safety of the MPs as the situation was tense. Soon after Dr. de Silva tweeted that “MPs are turning back as we are unable to enter the CPC refinery. Hundreds of goons protected by the Police blocked the entrance.” Here are some scenes outside the oil refinery. Pix by Shehan Gunasekara