Agreement on SINOPEC Hambantota Oil Refinery to Be Finalized in Early 2026, Says Minister of Foreign Affairs

COLOMBO (News 1st): Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath has affirmed China's Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi that the Agreement related to the SINOPEC Oil Refinery Project in Hambantota will be finalized in the 1st quarter of 2026. 

This was disclosed by a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, following the visit of China's Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism releasing a statement, further highlighted the productive discussions between Sri Lanka's Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi yesterday, during the latter’s brief visit to Sri Lanka.

According to the statement, the meeting aimed at further strengthening bilateral engagement and advancing the Strategic Cooperative Partnership between the two countries. 

Both Ministers have reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and time-tested cooperation between Sri Lanka and China rooted in centuries of exchanges and consolidated since the establishment of diplomatic relations seven decades ago. 

The statement added that the discussion also focused on enhancing partnership in the areas of trade, investment, development cooperation and tourism.

According to the statement, Minister Herath has extended deep appreciation to the Government and the people of China for the steadfast support extended to Sri Lanka following cyclone Ditwah and requested further support for the second phase of resettlement, relocation and rebuilding, particularly for the restoration of affected infrastructure including identified roads, railways and bridges that are vital to connectivity, economic recovery and daily lives of people. 

In response, Minister Wang has assured China’s fullest support for this initiative and expressed confidence that Sri Lanka will continue its rapid recovery under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Disanayaka. He has further welcomed the people-centric policies of the Government and expressed optimism that Sri Lanka is on the right path toward fulfilling aspirations of its people.

The statement confirmed that both sides also agreed to jointly commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in the year 2027.