Construction has commenced on a major fuel infrastructure project connecting the Muthurajawela petroleum storage complex with Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake.
The project was launched under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake as part of the Government’s efforts to strengthen Sri Lanka’s energy security, improve fuel supply reliability and support the country’s growing aviation sector.
The initiative, being implemented by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited (CPSTL), includes the construction of a dedicated underground pipeline to transport Jet A-1 aviation fuel directly to BIA.
The pipeline will extend approximately 21 kilometres and have a diameter of 10 inches. Once completed, it is expected to reduce fuel transportation costs and improve the efficiency and reliability of aviation fuel distribution to the country’s main international airport.
The project also includes the construction of five new Jet A-1 storage tanks with a combined capacity of 92,000 cubic metres. These will consist of two tanks with a capacity of 30,000 cubic metres each, two tanks with a capacity of 15,000 cubic metres each and an additional tank capable of storing 2,000 cubic metres of aviation fuel.
According to officials, the aviation fuel pipeline and storage complex are scheduled to be completed within 30 months. The new facilities are expected to provide adequate reserves to meet the future fuel requirements of Sri Lanka’s aviation industry.
Meanwhile, construction has also begun on three additional petroleum storage tanks at the Muthurajawela Terminal under a separate CPSTL project. The new tanks will provide an additional 40,000 cubic metres of storage capacity, comprising two 15,000-cubic-metre tanks and one 10,000-cubic-metre tank.
This second project is designed to improve the flexibility of petroleum storage operations and support the uninterrupted distribution of fuel products across the country. It has a contractual completion period of 18 months and is scheduled to be completed by April 2028.
Together, the two projects will introduce eight new fuel storage tanks with a combined capacity of 132,000 cubic metres at Muthurajawela.
The President’s Media Division stated that the facilities will be constructed in accordance with relevant international standards and recognised industry practices, with special attention given to safety, reliability and operational efficiency.
The developments are expected to strengthen Sri Lanka’s fuel reserves, reduce distribution-related costs and improve the country’s ability to maintain a stable petroleum supply in the years ahead.