Talks with Sinopec on $ 3.7 b H’tota refinery ‘positive’

Saturday, 18 October 2025 00:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has met Sinopec Vice President Liu Liangong to resolve remaining issues delaying the launch of the Chinese energy firm’s proposed $ 3.7 billion oil refinery project in Hambantota, a statement said.

A senior official told the Daily FT that the talks were positive, but the final decision was still unclear as both the Government and Sinopec were yet to make an official announcement.

The refinery, designed to process 200,000 barrels of crude oil per day, is one of the largest planned foreign investments in Sri Lanka. The statement said the Government had already resolved a “large number” of issues linked to the project, while discussions focused on clearing the remaining hurdles.

Given the project’s importance to both countries, Liu requested Minister Herath’s intervention to expedite the pending matters. The visiting Sinopec team is also expected to meet officials from the Energy Ministry and the Board of Investment during their stay, the statement added.