Colombo, Oct. 4 -- Twenty foreign companies, including those from China, the United States (U.S.), and Japan, have expressed interest in investing in the expansion of Sri Lanka's Sapugaskanda oil refinery, an official said yesterday.

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) recently called for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from potential investors to expand the facility. The deadline for submissions closed last Friday.

CPC Chairman D.A. Rajakaruna told Daily Mirror that 20 firms from leading countries in the world had applied.

"There are companies from countries such as the U.S., China, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the list. We are yet to begin evaluation," he said.

The Sapugaskanda refinery has been a critical asset in...