Govt embarks on direct oil imports

Suraj A Bandara

The Government is to import oil that will be sufficient for the country's annual consumption at once from oil producing countries including the Sultanate of Oman directly.

Petroleum Industries Minister Susil Premajayantha held bilateral discussions with the Omani Petroleum Resources Minister and Trade Minister during an official tour to seek the possibility of importing crude oil, gas and lubricants from Oman directly at concessionary prices.

The Minister held discussions with the Omani deputy Prime Minister Sayyid Fahr Bin Taimur Al-Said to explore avenues to strengthen diplomatic relationship between the two countries.

The Omani Government has informed the Minister that his country's business community is very keen to invest in Sri Lanka and pointed out the need to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries. The Omani Government assured its country's continued support for Sri Lanka's development. Oman thanked Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa for the continuous support, goodwill and best wishes rendered throughout the history for the Omani people and the country. Minister Premajayantha attended the 40th independent ceremonies of the Sultanate of Oman held at the Alfata square as an integral part of the tour.