U.S. crude oil samples received, testing begins

Sapugaskanda refinery to be expanded   

By Kelum Bandara 

The government has taken steps to expand the Sapugaskanda oil refinery, an official said yesterday.   

Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) Chairman D.A. Rajakaruna told Daily Mirror that the Expression of Interest (EOI) had been called for in this regard.  

He said that Sri Lanka would be developed as a petroleum hub. EOIs should be submitted on or before September 26, 2025.  

Asked about the plan for the import of U.S. crude oil, he said samples were received last Friday.   

“We are currently carrying out specification tests,” he said. 

The government agreed to explore the possibility of importing U.S. crude oil to reduce the trade gap.  

Besides, Chinese petroleum giant ‘Sinopec ‘ is seeking to invest in an oil refinery in Hambantota. It is an investment of $ 3.7 billion.