NATIONAL VISION

← Back to overview

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Sri Lanka is a nation defined by an enviable and strategic position at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean. Throughout our history, trade, enterprise and international partnerships have shaped our development and connected us to the wider world.

We are proud of this rich heritage and the unique ingenuity of the Sri Lankan people. Whilst who we are is our greatest asset, our natural resources present us with an important generational opportunity and responsibility to drive the future development of our nation for generations to come.

Today, we are entering another important chapter in our country’s history.

Our Government is committed and focused on strengthening the foundations of Sri Lanka’s economy, restoring confidence in our institutions and creating new opportunities for sustainable growth. Central to that ambition is the responsible development of our natural resources and ensuring that they are unlocked for the benefit of future generations.

The Sri Lanka Licensing Round 2026 reflects that commitment that we make to our country. The licensing round demonstrates our determination to establish a modern, transparent and internationally competitive petroleum sector that can contribute to energy security, economic resilience and national prosperity.

We recognise and acknowledge that developing a new offshore petroleum province requires more than investment capital and that it will not happen overnight. It requires world-class knowledge, technology, operational excellence and long-term commitment from all parties.

Above all, it requires trust from the partners that choose to invest in our country and in turn we must show ourselves to be investable, to listen and adapt to their needs – whilist balancing our own interests for the long-term outcomes we desire.

We see The Sri Lanka Licensing Round 2026 as the beginning of the enduring partnerships that will help unlock the potential of Sri Lanka’s offshore resources.

I invite the international energy industry to engage with our Government, our Ministry and the Petroleum Development Authority of Sri Lanka to learn more about the opportunities before us. Sri Lanka's doors are open.

We look forward to welcoming you as partners in shaping the future of our energy sector.