News
Mannar basin now on major oil radar
Conditions have changed since Cairn India drilled exploratory wells
Conditions for taking forward Sri Lanka’s efforts at exploiting indications of the presence of petroleum and natural gas in the Mannar basin have improved significantly in the last two years according to well informed sources in the international oil industry.
These sources said that when Cairn India drilled three completed exploratory wells between 2011 and 2013, two of the wells, Barracuda and Dorado was believed to contain gas estimated to be 1.8TCF and 300 BCF respectively.
“While they were not commercially viable when oil and gas prices collapsed in 2014, there is a strong possibility they will be at today’s prices. There are technologies that have reduced capital expenditure such as gas-to-wire power generation that help make the economic case for production of these gas finds,” these sources said.
“Cairn India has invested nearly $200 million in Sri Lanka, but it would require an investment of over $1 billion to build production infrastructure. Therefore, it is vital to urgently attract as many investors as possible for exploration and production to maximize benefits to Sri Lanka – especially in light of the global energy crisis and the concomitant energy price increases which has enhanced investor appetite.”
Other sources placed the Cairn investment at $ 250 m. saying it will now cost around $500 m to put in place a subsea completion to produce the smaller prospect. While one must drill to ascertain the actual existence and quantity of resources, seismic studies estimate 9 TCF of gas and several billion barrels of oil in the Mannar Basin, industry sources said.
These volumes could fulfill several decades of the country’s energy needs while potentially saving $6-7 billion p.a. in expenditure on energy. It also opens opportunities for Sri Lanka to earn revenue through Production Sharing Agreements with investors who take 100% of the risk. Mr. Saliya Wickramasuriya, Chairman of the Petroleum Development Authority of Sri Lanka confirmed that the picture had improved since Cairn drilled its first wells and possibilities of the Mannar basin are now on the radar screens of international oil majors.
“There have been external market changes (including price rises) and technology too had become cheaper. Additionally there have been internal improvements to the operating environment and legal framework. We’ve made it more investor friendly,” he said.
Other sources said what is needed now is to prudently fast track the long delayed Mannar Basin M2 block (exploration and production) tender and the commencement of exploration work by the selected bidder for the M1 and C1 July 2019 tender.There is also a need for conducting a marketing campaign to attract further investment while oil and gas prices are at historically high levels, they said.
The Colombo High Court has sentenced former Chief Minister of the North Central Province, S.M. Ranjith and his Private Secretary Shanthi Chandrasena to 16 years of rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs. 200,000 each after they were found guilty of corruption charges.
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery Or Corruption (CIABOC) had filed the case alleging that the former Chief Minister had illegally obtained Rs. 2,080,500 as fuel allowances during his tenure.
Parliamentary staff members are contemplating trade union action in protest against what they describe as a downward revision of their allowances.
The salary revision, as detailed in a circular numbered DMS/Salary Revision/2025-1 (Management Services Circular 04/2025) dated March 25, 2025, has resulted in a reduction of Parliament workers’ allowances, and the decreases which vary, based on staff grades, range from 70% to 39%, raising concerns among Parliament staff, according to sources.
The 32-page circular, addressed to Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadheera, has been signed by Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development K. M. Siriwardhana.
Following the announcement of those revisions, parliamentary employees have expressed dissatisfaction, with their unions planning industrial action in the coming days. Sources confirmed that the staff members had already registered their protest with the parliamentary authorities.
The new salary revision has sparked widespread discontent among staff members.
Our attempts to contact General Secretary of Parliament Kushani Rohandheera were not successful.
By Saman Indrajith
Japan has funded a project to strengthen Sri Lanka’s commitment to tackling GBV (gender-based violence) and ensuring that survivors were not left without access to critical services.
As part of this project, six more Emergency Waiting Areas (EWAs) will be established in the coming weeks in Dharmapuram (Kilinochchi district), Murunkan (Mannar district), Uppuveli (Trincomalee district), Opanayake (Ratnapura district), Walapane (Nuwara Eliya district), and Modera (Colombo district).
Recently, Japanese ambassador in Colombo Akio Isomata and UNFPA Sri Lanka Representative Kunle Adeniyi, handed over the newly constructed Japan-funded EWA at the Kalutara South Police Station. The Japanese embassy said that this initiative was meant to ensure that survivors received the protection, dignity, and support they deserve when seeking assistance from law enforcement authorities.
The embassy said that there was a growing network of operational EWAs across Sri Lanka, including Jaffna, Mirihana, Pudukuduirippu, Nuwara Eliya, Mundalam, Batticaloa, and Kandy, where over 4000 women and children received support last year. These safe spaces serve as temporary resting areas, providing survivors of GBV with protection, psychosocial support, medical referrals, legal aid, and a survivor-centered approach to justice, the embassy said.
The establishment of the Kalutara South EWA was made possible with the generous funding of USD 34,000, from the People of Japan, and the construction was supported by World Vision Lanka.
Ambassador Isomata reaffirmed Japan’s continued dedication to supporting women and children in Sri Lanka and emphasized the role of safe spaces in ensuring a future free from violence. “Japan has been promoting the protection of women and children in Sri Lanka since Sri Lanka became a partner country for Japan in 2018 in promoting the Women, Peace and Security agenda. This project also includes training for police officers handling victims, especially female officers, so that victims would feel safer in seeking refuge and counseling. I hope this project will be expanded by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Public Security and Police in order to strengthen the mechanism to protect women and children in vulnerable situations. It is also essential for Sri Lanka to ensure the legal measures against the violence and support for the self-reliance of women and children who seek refuge.”
Speaking at the ceremony, UNFPA Sri Lanka Representative, Kunle Adeniyi, underscored the significance of survivor-centered approaches in addressing GBV. “For a survivor, the decision to seek help is often fraught with fear: fear of judgment, disbelief, or retaliation. When they walk into a police station, they should not only find protection but also compassion and care. A survivor’s first interaction with law enforcement can shape their entire journey toward healing and justice. If they are met with understanding, respect, and support, they are more likely to pursue the help they need.”
US attacks kill 4 in Yemen as second aircraft carrier sent to Middle East
Former chief minister of North Central Province, SM Ranjith sentenced to 16 years RI
Showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in Central, North-western and North-central provinces and in Mannar and Vavuniya districts
-
Sports3 days agoSri Lanka’s eternal search for the elusive all-rounder
-
News2 days agoBid to include genocide allegation against Sri Lanka in Canada’s school curriculum thwarted
-
News4 days agoGnanasara Thera urged to reveal masterminds behind Easter Sunday terror attacks
-
Business5 days agoAIA Higher Education Scholarships Programme celebrating 30-year journey
-
News3 days agoComBank crowned Global Finance Best SME Bank in Sri Lanka for 3rd successive year
-
Features3 days agoSanctions by The Unpunished
-
Latest News1 day agoIPL 2025: Rookies Ashwani and Rickelton lead Mumbai Indians to first win
-
Features3 days agoMore parliamentary giants I was privileged to know