Sri Lanka, Russia should not restrict energy deals according to US’s wish - Russian Deputy FM

Colombo, April 2 (Daily Mirror) - Visiting Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Russia Andrey Rudenko said yesterday that Sri Lanka and Russia should not restrict support deals on energy when the United States allows it but to build it on a solid legal and economic foundation.

In an interactive discussion organized by Pathfinder Foundation with the Minister for the representatives of Sri Lankan media and think tanks, such remarks were made in response to questions.

He said Sri Lanka is an attractive destination for Russian nationals for tourism.

“After tourists, the real business may come here not only in trade but also in technological service investment. But again, for this, you need to know each other better now—not to limit our communications or restrict some support deals on energy when the United States allows it, but to build it on a solid legal and economic foundation,” he said.

Responding to a query about the latest visit of the Russian Deputy Energy Minister, he said Sri Lanka is not the only country which demands Russian oil. He said Sri Lanka’s request is now under consideration

“We will study those requests, providing that we have enough resources to enhance oil. But I said that if we have a much longer contract, then it would make the whole situation look quite different than now,” he said.

The Deputy Minister will discuss bilateral issues today.

“A recent visit by Deputy Minister of Energy Roman Marshavin has shown that there will be a deal. Hopefully the follow-up of this visit will see some positive results concerning the supply of energy from Russia. The sooner we end the conflict, the better it will be for everyone,” he said.