Sri Lanka’s Petroleum Resources Development Secretariat (PRDS) has confirmed it has made six more ultra-deepwater blocks officially available to oil companies, as previously predicted (see DI, 12 August 2013, page 8).

The blocks each cover areas varying between approximately 18,000 sq km (6,959 sq miles) and 26,000 sq km (10,039 sq miles) to the east and south of the island, in virgin ultra-deep- water territory. The six blocks are: JS-1, JS-2, JS-3, JS-4, JS- 5 and JS-6.

The blocks will be awarded on a Joint Study basis outside the current bid round based on the experience and capability of the applicant, along with their proposed work commitment.

Details can be downloaded from www.prds-srilanka.com.