On January 22, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijita Herat announced that the country has signed an agreement with China’s state-owned energy giant, Sinopec, to accelerate the development of an oil refinery project in Hambantota, a key southern port city. The project represents a total investment of $3.7 billion, making it one of Sri Lanka’s largest foreign investments.

A Long-Awaited Energy Partnership

Herat emphasized that the agreement marks a significant milestone in Sri Lanka-China energy cooperation, as negotiations over the refinery had been ongoing for several years. He stated that both parties will work together to determine the share of refined oil produced by the facility. Expressing optimism about the project’s progress, Herat added, "We are working hard to move forward and hope to break ground as soon as possible." However, he did not disclose details regarding the refinery’s expected production capacity.

Addressing Sri Lanka’s Energy Challenges

Despite having several smaller refineries, Sri Lanka remains completely reliant on imported fuel, which places a heavy financial burden on the nation’s struggling economy. The country spends billions of dollars annually on fuel imports, exacerbating its foreign exchange challenges. This agreement with Sinopec is expected to enhance Sri Lanka’s energy security by reducing dependence on costly imports while boosting domestic refining capacity.

Economic Revival and Foreign Investments

Sri Lanka has been actively seeking foreign investments to revitalize its economy following the severe foreign exchange crisis of 2022. The nation’s financial recovery has been faster than anticipated, largely due to a $2.9 billion bailout loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2023. Encouraged by this progress, the government is now focusing on long-term economic stability through strategic investments, with the Sinopec refinery project playing a key role in this effort.

Boosting Hambantota’s Strategic Position

The Sri Lankan government views the refinery project as a crucial step in enhancing Hambantota Port’s role as a regional transportation hub. By developing fuel shipping services, the port could attract more maritime traffic, strengthening Sri Lanka’s position as a key logistics center in South Asia. To facilitate smooth project execution, Herat confirmed that land allocation, tax regulations, and water resource management issues will be resolved within a month.

Deepening China-Sri Lanka Economic Cooperation

The Sinopec agreement comes shortly after Sri Lankan President Dissanayake’s visit to Beijing, during which China and Sri Lanka signed multiple cooperation agreements covering economic and technological development. These agreements reflect a broader commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and fostering investment-driven economic growth.

By accelerating refinery development and expanding Sinopec’s footprint in Sri Lanka, the project is set to deliver long-term benefits for both nations, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s energy resilience and economic recovery.