Sri Lanka opened its gates for oil exploration in its seas as the government on Thursday,  February 18, inked an agreement with one of the leading oil majors in the world.

French oil major ‘Total’ today inked a deal with Sri Lanka to explore two ultra deep water blocks under a joint study off the eastern coast of Sri Lanka.

The French Ambassador to Sri Lanka was among those present for the event.

Accordingly, Sri Lanka will get a ground rental of one US dollar per square kilometre for the entire acreage of the joint study area. The Ministry of Petroleum Resources Development says that the rent would amount to around Rs.07 million per year.

• Will NOT sit and Govern with bandits: Vijitha Herath
• Legal action against Commonwealth defectors
• Concessions for increased tariffs, via interim budget
• Scottish Tourist goes to court against decision to deport her from Sri Lanka
• Rev. Fr. Jeewantha granted bail; Barred from overseas travel