Sri Lanka, April 16 -- Despite crude oil prices remaining at relatively normal levels on the global market, HSBC Chief Executive Officer Georges Elhedery revealed at an investment summit held in Hong Kong that a buyer in Sri Lanka had paid a staggering $286 per barrel of crude oil.

The remarks, initially reported by several news outlets, were followed up on by the Hiru News Division, which contacted HSBC Group for verification. In response, the Senior Group Media Manager at HSBC Group's London headquarters confirmed the reports were accurate. Accordingly Hiru news obtained the below transcript from HSBC.

"Realistically, if you want to try to get oil from the Middle East, you may be paying $140 to $150. Realistically, if you try to get o...