Oct 26, Colombo: Sri Lanka's only oil refinery at Sapugaskanda will suspend operations for about 10 days from today, the petroleum authority Ceylon Petroleum Corporation announced.

General Manger of Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) Susantha Silva told media that as a result of the refinery not receiving sufficient crude oil, it would halt operations from today.

Silva has said that the authority was unable to bring in Iranian crude in time because of U.S. sanctions.

During the period the operations are suspended, the refinery employees will be deployed to conduct much needed maintenance activities of the plant, the General Manger said.

Sri Lanka's only refinery in Sapugaskanda which refines 50,000 barrels of oil per day can only process Iranian crude. Currently Sri Lanka has faced difficulties in importing the crude oil from Iran due to the U.S. sanctions imposed on that country.

Meanwhile, the CPC trade unions have demanded immediate investigations into the suspension of operations, local radio Hiru FM reported.

The general secretary of the National Employees Association of the CPC, Ananda Palitha has said that investigations are in order since there is a clear doubt.

According to the trade union sources the refinery is bringing losses to the CPC due to technical issues and the government has held talks with India to sell out the refinery.

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