Today, 05 October 2018 Mr. Vajira Dassanayake, Director General of the Petroleum Resources Development Secretariat met with H.E. Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation in the Embassy Premises and discussed matters relating to the Hydrocarbon exploration activities in Sri Lanka.

Mr. Dassanayake briefed the Ambassador on the ongoing seismic survey carried out in Sri Lanka's North Eastern Exploration Blocks JS5 and JS6. Further, the Director General emphasized the necessity to lay hold of raw seismic data obtained during the period from 1970 – 1975 by the former Soviet Union. The data in reference was obtained covering the Cauvery basin in Sri Lanka's initial efforts to explore petroleum resources.
H.E. the Ambassador assured the Mission's fullest cooperation to assist the Government of Sri Lanka to obtain the data by liaising with relevant state institutions in the Russian Federation. Considering the potential positive impact, the discovery of oil and gas would have in Sri Lanka, H.E. the Ambassador assured the Mission's unconditional support for Sri Lanka's hydrocarbon exploration efforts. The Ambassador further commended the commencement of the exploration efforts initiated under the patronage of Hon. Arjuna Ranatunga, Minister of Petroleum Resources Development.
Director General of the Petroleum Recourses Development visited Moscow as a part of the Sri Lankan delegation who participated at the Russian Energy Week International Forum - 2018 which is held from 3 to 6 October in the Central Exhibition Hall 'Manege' in Moscow.