16. Demarcation and designation of exploration blocks or development blocks

Official English translation. Where it differs from the Sinhala or Tamil text, the Act itself says which text prevails.

(1)

The Minister may for the purposes of this Act, within both offshore and onshore areas identified as having petroleum potential and which are to be offered to conduct petroleum operations or study or research projects to any contractor, authorize the Authority to demarcate and designate blocks which shall be called exploration blocks or development blocks as the case may be.

(2)

The designation of exploration blocks or development blocks shall be based on the maps prepared by the Authority under section 4(a) of this Act and be identified as follows:-

(a)

if situated offshore, be identified with reference to the area having petroleum potential; or

(b)

if situated onshore, be identified with reference to the Administrative District within which it is situated.

(3)

Each graticular section called an exploration block shall be given a unique reference number which shall be called as the "block identifier". Such exploration blocks may be grouped together into larger blocks, designated uniquely, if so desired.

(4)

Upon an exploration block being designated under subsection (1), the Authority shall obtain the approval of the Minister to publish the same in a manner prescribed by regulation.

Read on from s 17

Part V

National Petroleum Operator

Read on from Part V

Part VI

Fiscal Provisions

Read on from Part VI

Part VII

Chief Executive Officer and Staff of the Authority

Read on from Part VII

Part VIII

Petroleum Resources Development Fund

Read on from Part VIII

Part IX

General Provisions

Read on from Part IX