Government to directly import oil from Oman

Subhasini SENANAYAKE and Suraj A Bandara

The Government is to import crude oil , gas and lubricants from the Sultanate of Oman directly. An initial discussion in this regard was held between Petroleum Minister Susil Premajayantha and Sultanate of Oman Ambassador Humid Ali Al Maani at the Ministry yesterday.

Addressing the media after the discussion , Minister Premajayantha said direct import of crude oil and gas from the Sultanate of Oman will benefit the Sri Lankan consumer to a larger degree. The Ministry is endevouring to explore avenues that will favour Sri Lanka, he said. Oman is a big market in producing and selling petrol, diesel and gas throughout the world.

Today’s discussion between the Sri Lankan government and the Sultanate of Oman would expand the horizons of the goodwill between two countries and it was a fruitful dialogue, the Minister added.

He said a tour to Oman will take place soon to seek the possibility of importing gas and crude oil at concessionary prices.

Oman Ambassador Al Maani said the Omani Government is keen to support Sri Lanka in particular, for the development of agriculture and infrastructure facilities of the country.

Al Maani further said there are over seven flights per week between Sri Lanka and Oman.

All these aircraft come full of Omani tourists to visit this island, he said.

He said there are more than 100,000 Sri Lankan employees in Oman and both countries have maintained a friendly relationship throughout history, Al Maani added.