Sri Lanka, Aug. 25 -- Sri Lanka will launch today a new licensing round for offshore oil and gas exploration this year, with the Petroleum Development Authority of Sri Lanka (PDASL) preparing to invite international energy companies to explore and develop the country's petroleum resources.

The authority said the licensing round is aimed at attracting global energy companies to explore and produce oil and natural gas offshore Sri Lanka. It said exploration carried out to date has confirmed viable natural gas accumulations off the western coast, with the development of these resources expected to strengthen energy security and support industrial growth.

The PDASL is expected to announce further details of the licensing process on Tuesday...