SL rich in investment opportunities -Omani minister

Sandasen MARASINGHE

Omani Oil and Gas Minister Dr. Mohamed Bin Hamad Al-Rumhi yesterday stated that with a new era of peace and tranquility, Sri Lanka is ready for investors.

He made this observation at a press conference held at the Petroleum Industries Ministry yesterday. The Omani minister stated that Sri Lanka is rich with investment opportunities in many areas. He also said that he was confident that the decision makers of his country would take advantage of these opportunities as Sri Lanka has a very prosperous future.

He also said that the Omani government would study the refinery functions in Sri Lanka for investment and expand the relationship in the oil and gas trade and also petroleum products.

He also said that he found that it was the opportune moment to strengthen ties with Sri Lanka as the environment was conducive for investment under this era of peace and tranquility.

He said that Sri Lankans are a very friendly people and this is very encouraging for investments.

The Omani Minister further said that he visited the up country where he found a vast area for investments, including tourism industry and agriculture field. He added that Oman is also a small state but when the two countries join hands ,it will be very beneficial to both .

He also stated that he came as a total stranger on Thursday and was leaving on Friday as a cordial friend and thanked the government for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation.

Petroleum Industries Minister Susil Premajayantha said that discussions with the Omani minister centered around strengthening the strong ties between the two countries and expanding trade, specially in petroleum products and the tourism industry. He added that Omani Minister was of the view that Sri Lanka was conducive for investments and a separate unit should be established for that purpose.

Minister Premajayantha further stated that Crude Oil from Oman could be refined in a refinery in Sri Lanka after mixing it with another oil. He added that the Omani government promised to extend its support in this endeavour.

The Omani minister also called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa during his visit.

Omani ambassador Sheikh Humaid Al Al-Maani, Petroleum Industries Ministry Secretary Dr. R. H. S. Samarathunga and other senior ministry officials were present at the conference.