The refinery was built in August 1969 by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation under the guidance of Iran,[1] initially designed to process 38,000 barrels (6,000 m3) per stream day of Dubai crude oil, and Arabian light crude oil.

(Medium sour crude oil) It was commissioned on 12 October 1969.

[3] As with most refineries, the Sapugaskanda Refinery has an in-house utilities section which supplies electricity, water, steam, instrument air, and other necessities for operations.

In total, 65 storage tanks are located at the premises for storage of crude oil, finished, and other products, five of which has a capacity of 40,000 tonnes (39,000 long tons).

[3] Three oil-fired power stations are built at the vicinity of the refinery for ease of fuel logistics: