The Government has taken a policy decision to recommence oil and gas exploration, Co-Cabinet Spokesperson Udaya Gammanpila stated.

“The Government has taken a policy decision to restart oil and gas exploration. This had been abandoned for many years. Accordingly, a policy on natural gas has been formulated. It is an essential factor in attracting investors.  At this week cabinet’s meeting, it was decided to appoint Mr. Surath Ovitigama, as the Director-General of the Petroleum Resources Development Secretariat and Mr. Saliya Wickramasuriya as an advisor.” he stated.

In 2016, a joint study agreement (JSA) was signed with the French energy major Total SA, the third-largest oil importer in Europe, to explore two blocks off the country’s east coast and it was also decided to award an exploration block to Bona Vista Energy, a Singapore based firm.

Earlier,  Cairn Energy, which struck gas in North Western Sri Lanka in the deep sea however did not develop the field.