SubSea Asia Conference and Exhibition, Malaysia:
UKTI presents local oil opportunities
|
A scene at
the exhibition |
Colombo British High Commission UK Trade and Investment (UKTI)
recently attended the SubSea Asia Conference and Exhibition in Malaysia,
where UKTI Deputy Head Nadeesha Epasinghe presented the opportunities in
oil exploration available in Sri Lanka to over twenty-five major
industry players from the UK.
As Sri Lanka embarks on the journey to find oil and gas off the coast
of Mannar, the UK is at the forefront of partnering the country in this
new chapter of economic development. Cairn Lanka, a subsidy of Cairn
Energy PLC, will start a three well drilling campaign off the Mannar
Basin in the first quarter of 2011, marking the beginning of petroleum
exploration in Sri Lanka after a hiatus of 25 years. Cairn Energy is one
of Europe's largest independent oil and gas exploration and production
companies. They are listed on the London Stock Exchange and based in
Edinburgh with assets in India, Greenland, Bangladesh and now, Sri
Lanka.
Meanwhile, UKTI continues to actively consult key Government
officials identifying areas where UK companies could help develop the
Sri Lankan economy. "UKTI has been looking at the opportunities
available in Sri Lanka for UK companies to invest in business that would
benefit both countries and further strengthen our strong economic ties.
We have been particularly examining some key sectors such as
infrastructure, tourism, ICT, education and of course oil and gas
exploration, which we feel would provide the best fit for both the UK
and Sri Lanka to partner together," Epasinghe said.
|