Rig Contract

Serica Energy plc
19 March 2007


For immediate release: Monday 19 March 2007


           SERICA ENERGY SECURES DRILLING RIG FOR COLUMBUS APPRAISAL

London, 19 March 2007 - Serica Energy plc (AIM and TSX Venture: SQZ) is pleased
to announce that it has secured the use of the SEDCO 704 semi-submersible
drilling rig for appraisal wells on the Columbus prospect, in Central North Sea
Block 23/16f.


The rig has been contracted through AGR Peak Group and Serica will have the
first two slots in the programme, with drilling due to commence in Q3 2007.
Serica is the operator of the licence.


Serica will initially drill a vertical appraisal well and, depending upon the
outcome, then intends to sidetrack the well to drill and test a horizontal
development well.


The Columbus appraisal wells follow the successful exploration well, announced
in December 2006, which tested at a rate of 17.5 million scfd and 1,000 bopd of
condensate.


Paul Ellis, Chief Executive, said:

'We are pleased to have already secured a drilling rig for Columbus appraisal
wells.  The Columbus discovery was made in December 2006, less than a year after
the award of the licence, and we are looking forward to confirming the field's
potential with early appraisal drilling.  We also expect to drill and complete a
horizontal section in order to carry out a high rate production test.'


Correction to press release of 15 March 2007

On 15 March 2007 Serica announced a farm-out of half of its 90% interest in the
Biliton Block to Nations Petroleum, a subsidiary of Nations Petroleum Company
Limited, which was incorrectly referred to as Nations Energy Company Limited.


Enquiries:


Serica Energy plc
Paul Ellis,                               [e-mail]                      [phone]

Chief Executive Officer
Chris Hearne, Finance Director            [e-mail]                     [phone]



Pelham Public Relations -UK
James Henderson                     [e-mail]                        [phone]
Alisdair Haythornthwaite            [e-mail]               [phone]

CHF Investor Relations - Canada
Jan Moir                            [e-mail]                                       [phone]
Heather Colpitts                    [e-mail]                                   [phone]

JPMorgan Cazenove
Steve Baldwin                                                                           [phone]


Background Notes


Serica Energy plc is an international oil and gas exploration company with
operations in the UK North Sea, Norway, Ireland, Spain, Indonesia and Vietnam.
The Company's ordinary shares are listed in London on AIM and on the Canadian
TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol 'SQZ'. The 2005 Annual Report and Accounts
can be obtained from the Company's web-site www.serica-energy.com and at
www.sedar.com.


Forward Looking Statements


This disclosure contains certain forward looking statements that involve
substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond
Serica Energy plc's control, including: the impact of general economic
conditions where Serica Energy plc operates, industry conditions, changes in
laws and regulations including the adoption of new environmental laws and
regulations and changes in how they are interpreted and enforced, increased
competition, the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management,
fluctuations in foreign exchange or interest rates, stock market volatility and
market valuations of companies with respect to announced transactions and the
final valuations thereof, and obtaining required approvals of regulatory
authorities.  Serica Energy plc's actual results, performance or achievement
could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward
looking statements and, accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the
events anticipated by the forward looking statements will transpire or occur, or
if any of them do so, what benefits, including the amount of proceeds, that
Serica Energy plc will derive there from.


The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for
                   the adequacy or accuracy of this release.


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