U.S. sanctions stand in the way of realising Russia–Sri Lanka trade, tourism potential fully: Envoy

Colombo, October 1 (Daily Mirror) - The full potential of Russia–Sri Lanka bilateral trade and tourism cannot be realised because of U.S. sanctions, Russian Ambassador Levan Dzhagaryan said yesterday.

During a roundtable discussion with him organised by Pathfinder Foundation, he said direct flight operations would resume between Russia and Sri Lanka next month, but Russian tourists would be compelled to carry cash in hand since electronic transactions were impossible in Sri Lanka because of sanctions against Russia by the U.S.

“Even my card is blocked,” he said.

He said Russia currently has direct air links with the Maldives, and will start direct flights to Viet Nam next. Also, he said Russian nationals enjoy a one-month visa-free stay in China.

Asked how large the potential of bilateral trade in case sanctions were lifted, he said it could be seen only after the Russia–Ukraine war is over.

“Lifting sanctions is one major condition by the Russian side to end the war,” he said.

Tourist arrivals from Russia have increased over the years, with over 200,000 Russians arriving here last year.

Commenting on the war, he said the Russian position is clear that Ukraine should not join NATO, no matter what.

“It should remain neutral,” he said.

He asserted that Russia welcomes Sri Lanka joining BRICS but refrained from commenting on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s non-acceptance of the invitation to attend the summit last year, despite an invitation by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He said he handed over the invitation, but it was the sovereign decision of Sri Lanka to accept it or not.