Orugodawatte refinery to be expanded soon

Colombo: Preparations to expand the present oil refinery in Orugodawatte are to commence soon. Papers on the proposal of the extension of the oil refinery in Orugodawatte are to be submitted to Cabinet for approval soon.

The oil refinery that is expected to benefit the country in the long run is a joint venture between the Sri Lankan and Israeli government.

The estimated cost for the project is Rs 1.5 billion. The Israeli government will bear 75% of the cost while the Sri Lankan government will have to bear the balance 25%.

'The basic studies are presently underway and the feasibility studies are expected to be completed soon. This process will take around six months. At present the necessary infrastructure has been provided and the required personnel for the project confirmed,' Minister of Petroleum and Petroleum Resources A.H.M.Fowzie said.