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Sri Lanka to purchase oil from Iran on government to government deal

26 September 2022 09:36 pm - 13     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lanka is to purchase crude oil from Iran on a government to government deal, a Minister said today.

Foreign Minister Ali Sabry told Daily Mirror over the phone that he had a cordial discussion with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on the sidelines of the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

The Minister said crude oil purchase is one of the key areas discussed,” he said.

“We discussed a range of bilateral issues aimed at strengthening the cordial bilateral relationship,” he said.

The Iranian Minister has promised to instruct his country’s ambassador in Colombo to follow up with the Sri Lankan line ministry to finalize the arrangements for crude oil imports.

“It is better to purchase fuel from Iran on a government to government deal. Then, we can transact without intermediaries,” Mr. Sabry added.

Trading with Iran is hampered because of US sanctions. (Kelum Bandara)


  Comments - 13

  • Dee Monday, 26 September 2022 10:00 PM

    SJB, JVP, SLFP, TNA. And break away SLPP. Now protest against this move! This is bad for your country! (If you think there is one?)

    Eyewash Monday, 26 September 2022 10:04 PM

    We have seen so many announcements and news items of this nature but these I realty nothing happens.

    GHT Monday, 26 September 2022 10:45 PM

    Well known intermediary nation India priced Tamil Eelam for their opportunistic help when Sri Lanka was brought to Economic Crisis by the US outmanoeuvre. Middle Eastern countries are considered ISIS/ISS like extremists promoters, therefore, better seek an alternative source to bring oil/crude oil to Sri Lanka avoiding those countries.

    Ram Tuesday, 27 September 2022 02:34 AM

    Deal, Oh God what was the Commission

    Nandasena R Tuesday, 27 September 2022 03:34 AM

    What has happened to the Russian oil that was considered so sweet? Probably Iranian is sweeter? Keep peddling these carrots to the poor man while having an over bloated Cabinet of Ministers and postpone the General Elections so that these politico's can keep enjoying a great life style!

    Sivakumar, Jaffna Hindu Tamil Tuesday, 27 September 2022 04:13 AM

    At last the Sri Lankan government is getting smart and removing the unwanted Indians who were for all these years acting as “middle men” and crookedly profiting millions from us. Now that the Indians are removed they would try to avenge by influencing the gullible Americans who have a soft spot for India to impose measures against Sri Lanka for breaking the American sanctions against Iran. Going for a pre-emptive action Sri Lanka has to act fast and explain to the Americans that what we are buying from Iran is an essential product needing for our survival and point out to them that even when the Indians recently bought sophisticated Russian weapons in the form of S400 missiles there were no American sanctions whatsoever against India.

    Iwazaru Tuesday, 27 September 2022 04:51 AM

    This is the same minister that said a loan from the IMF will be possible three days after his visit to the IMF in Washington. He talks crap. God (if there is one) save the judiciary in Sri Lanka. The is a so called Presidents Counsel. He is more a Presidential Clown like good old "Andarei".

    Prove it minister Tuesday, 27 September 2022 08:24 AM

    This is a terrible blow to deal makers who will lose in millions if not billions. Our business politicians are doomed and they will instigate against this. Will the young minister of Petroleum stand the pressure that is going to drown him? Let us pray that he proves it!

    Seqi Tuesday, 27 September 2022 08:28 AM

    No need to trade in US$...... Barter or pay in Roubles, Rembi, Dong or other Asian currencies.

    No to UNHRC Tuesday, 27 September 2022 09:49 AM

    Iran went through much more difficulty than us, but now starting to thrive under what were meant to be crippling sanctions. What US and west is doing with sanctions is human rights violation. Iran are inventors of technology especially drones whom they export for use even to Russia. Iran are 100% for the two-state solution for Palestine which our Foreign Minister spoke of at the UN, where he then met the Iranian envoy at the sidelines.

    Observer Tuesday, 27 September 2022 09:51 AM

    Ali Sabri's UN visit looks an "ALL PURPOSE " visit. He has tackled all Sri Lanka's problems in one go ? Dealdasa was seen in the delegation but nothing said about his contribution? A joy ride or in charge of baggage ?

    Gehan Tuesday, 27 September 2022 12:55 PM

    Best pay off the USD 259 million owed to the Iranians for oil since 2014 before making this kind of announcement. Otherwise they would laugh at you all the way home!

    Raymondesoyza Tuesday, 27 September 2022 02:03 PM

    All the faults we are facing are either due to Americans, Indians or someone else . Are we in this pathetic situation due to others ? Growup and look around yourself. Why all other nations are prospering except Sri Lanka.?? A little soul searching will do wonders . Narrow minded and racial attitude towards minorities contributed to the current situation. We are proud of visiting one country to another begging for money and call it grants and loans. When we are going to give loan and grants to others ?.


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