The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has informed the Sri Lankan Government that it is seeking to launch its petroleum trade in East Asia with Sri Lanka as the centre.
The UAE made the announcement during a discussion with the President’s Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayake. The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United Arab Emirates, Khaled Nasser Al Ameri met Ratnayake at the President’s Office recently and informed him about several planned UAE investments in Sri Lanka.
It was disclosed during the discussion that their fuel export activities in East Asia will be primarily centered on Sri Lanka. Fuel from the UAE is to be imported and stored in this country and sold in the countries of the East Asian region.
Apart from that, the Ambassador has discussed with the Chief of Presidential Staff regarding a renewable energy project (wind/solar) and tourism and hotel projects in several areas in Sri Lanka.
They also discussed a project to introduce modern technology to agriculture as well as a plan to increase the frequency of Emirates/Flydubai flights to Sri Lanka.
The related agreements will be signed in due course. Ratnayake will continue to monitor the progress of the programs on the instructions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.