Discussions on the proposed Trincomalee energy hub between India, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Sri Lanka have been delayed, it is learnt. 

Initially scheduled to begin in June, the discussions are now planned to take place in July.

Speaking to The Sunday Morning yesterday (14), Ministry of Energy Secretary Prof. Udayanga Hemapala said that the discussions had been delayed as the UAE party could not make it on the scheduled days due to circumstances which had risen on their end.

“We are planning to do it by July, but the dates have not been fixed yet,” he added.

He added that the discussions and conditions would be finalised within a period of six months.

The energy hub is to consist of a multi-product pipeline and bunkering facilities.

The Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub were exchanged between Prof. Hemapala, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and UAE Ambassador to Sri Lanka Khaled Nasser Al Ameri during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to the island in April.

It is reported that the project is to consist of a multi-product pipeline as well as bunkering facilities and, potentially, a refinery.