President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has thanked India, China and Russia for their support in helping Sri Lanka secure its fuel needs, as the country navigates the economic fallout of the Middle East crisis.
Addressing parliament yesterday (07), where he announced a Rs. 100 billion relief package to be implemented over three months, the president said discussions with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi had resulted in an agreement to supply fuel to Sri Lanka.
He added that China has also indicated readiness to provide diesel and petrol, with the Chinese ambassador having travelled to Beijing and held discussions with the government before conveying the response to Colombo.
Russia, too, has agreed to support Sri Lanka’s fuel requirements, the president said, noting recent visits by Russia’s minister of energy and deputy foreign minister as evidence of that commitment.
The president also disclosed that US president Donald Trump has granted Sri Lanka permission to continue fuel-related transactions with Russia until April 11, though it remains unclear whether the authorisation will be extended.
He stressed that the government is actively working through diplomatic channels to ensure continuity of fuel supplies regardless of the outcome.