Sri Lanka Opens Four Mannar Basin Blocks in 2026 Licensing Round
The acreage covers 33,964 square kilometres in water depths from 100 to 3,000 metres
Sri Lanka has launched its 2026 offshore licensing round, offering four exploration blocks covering nearly 34,000 square kilometres in the Mannar basin to international oil and gas companies.
The round, designated SL2026-01 and launched on 25 August by the Petroleum Development Authority of Sri Lanka, covers a combined 33,964 square kilometres across blocks 2026-MB-01, 2026-MB-02, 2026-MB-03 and 2026-MB-04. The acreage extends across water depths ranging from approximately 100m to 3,000m.
Previous exploration in the Mannar basin has confirmed a working petroleum system and produced gas and condensate discoveries, while significant portions of the basin remain underexplored.
"Previous exploration has demonstrated the presence of a working petroleum system in the Mannar basin," said Dr Neil DeSilva, director general of the authority. "The combination of substantial available acreage, technical information and Sri Lanka's strengthened regulatory framework provides international explorers with a compelling opportunity to take a fresh look at the basin."
The four blocks range in size from approximately 5,689 square kilometres to 11,728 square kilometres. Geological and geophysical information will be made available to prospective bidders through a data room from 1 September.
The licensing round follows changes to Sri Lanka's upstream regulatory framework under the Petroleum Resources Act of 2021, which established the authority as the country's upstream petroleum regulator.
"The Sri Lanka Licensing Round 2026 marks an important step in the development of our country's energy resources," said Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka. "We are opening four significant exploration blocks in the Mannar basin and invite experienced international energy companies to evaluate this opportunity."
Dates for notification of successful bidders and the subsequent signing of Petroleum Resource Agreements will be announced as the process progresses.
