The Petroleum Development Authority of Sri Lanka (PDASL) was established by the Petroleum Resources Act, No. 21 of 2021, as the permanent, independent, statutory body entrusted with promoting and regulating all oil and gas exploration, development, and production activities in Sri Lanka. The PDASL stands responsible for ensuring the exploration and production of indigenous oil and gas resources are carried out using international best practices, adhering to robust health, safety and environmental practices and contributing to the socio-economic development and energy security of Sri Lanka. The PDASL replaces, but carries forth, the work of the former Petroleum Resources Development Secretariat (PRDS).