Surath Ovitigama, an accomplished energy industry professional with over two decades of international experience, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Petroleum Development Authority (PDA). Surath's extensive career spans the United Kingdom, Norway's North Sea oil and gas sector, and South East Asia.

Prior to his current role, Surath had served as the Director-General of the PDA since 2020, showcasing his in-depth knowledge and expertise in the field. His appointment to the prestigious position of Chairman reflects the government's commitment to accelerating and implementing key initiatives within the energy sector.

In his new role, Surath will be entrusted with the crucial task of expediting and overseeing the development and regulation of oil and gas exploration, offshore energy resources, and the establishment of national policies. He will also be responsible for creating a comprehensive roadmap, ensuring safety measures, and constructing the regulatory framework for the production, utilization, and export of green hydrogen.