Vital to determine whether Russian crude oil meets CPC specs: Susil

It is essential to determine whether Russian crude oil is in line with the specifications of Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) , Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha told Parliament today.

“ Many, including MPs are questioning as to why Sri Lanka won’t go ahead and procure fuel from Russia, but one has to determine whether the refined products from Russia are in line with CPC specifications,” the Minister said.

Also he said the issue pertaining to recent grounding of Aeroflot Aircraft is expected to be sought soon. The case is to be taken up at Commercial Courts shortly and we hope that a verdict would be given shortly,” Mr. Premajayantha who is also the President of Sri Lanka-Russia Friendship Association, said.

“ I have been invited to Russia by the Russian counterparts to resolve issues between the two countries. I hope to resolve the issues arose between the two countries when I get there.  I have obtained details of the case from the Attorney General’s Department. The Minister of Energy can go ahead and begin negotiations to buy fuel.  

Meanwhile Former President Maithripala Sirisena who responded said he had engaged with the Russian President in writing and the latter had informed him that there is no need for a diplomatic engagement for Sri Lanka to obtain fuel, as CPC can directly negotiate with the Russian suppliers with regard to the matter. (Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana)