Government allocates eight locations off Mannar for oil exploration

Eight locations in the sea off Mannar which were earmarked for oil exploration have been handed over to various research companies, said A.H.M. Fowzy, Minister of Petroleum and Petroleum Resources Development, in Qatar, on the day before yesterday.

Companies of Qatar show interest in carrying out explorations and the results of study undertaken in the year 2002 shows there is a great lot of resources available. The vast area between Mannar and Kalutara is available for exploration. Already two locations have been entrusted for exploration. If projects progress well Sri Lanka will reap the benefits by the year 2010, said the Minister at a press meet in Qatar.