We are Ready to Support Sri Lanka in the Energy Sector: Russian Deputy Minister

27-Mar-2026

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Russia is prepared to support Sri Lanka in overcoming any challenges that may arise due to the war situation prevailing in the Middle East, Russian Deputy Minister of Energy Roman Marshavin assured President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

He further stated that Russia is ready to extend cooperation not only in the energy sector, but also in areas such as technology and machinery and equipment.

The meeting between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Deputy Minister Roman Marshavin took place on March 26 at the Presidential Secretariat.

Addressing the meeting, Deputy Minister Marshavin stated that Russia is ready to assist Sri Lanka in facing any challenges arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Russia understands the challenges Sri Lanka is compelled to face amid the current global crisis.

He emphasised that cooperation could extend beyond the energy sector to include technology, machinery and equipment, and noted that mutual understanding between the two countries is essential in the present context.

Recalling the long-standing friendship between Sri Lanka and Russia, President Dissanayake noted that in the past, technical and industrial assistance extended by Soviet Russia had significantly contributed to Sri Lanka’s economic and social development.

The President also pointed out that even in recent times, Russia remains among the leading countries sending a high number of tourists to Sri Lanka. He expressed appreciation for Russia’s continued cooperation in providing educational opportunities to a large number of Sri Lankan students, strengthening socio-cultural ties, and supporting Sri Lanka in international matters.

The discussion also covered in detail the challenges Sri Lanka is currently facing due to the emerging global crisis.

Special attention was paid to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector between Sri Lanka and Russia. Discussions further focused on expanding long-term cooperation, particularly in fuel supply, energy security, and new opportunities for long-term partnerships.

Deputy Minister Marshavin was welcomed on March 26 at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake by Deputy Minister of Economic Development Nishantha Jayaweera, the Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Additional Secretary for Europe and North America at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism M.R.K. Lenagala, and Director General for Europe and North America Sugeeswara Gunaratne.

This visit reflects the efforts of both countries to further enhance diplomatic and economic relations, particularly in the energy sector, amid changing global market conditions.

In recent weeks, fuel distribution was affected due to delays in fuel vessels expected to arrive in the country, caused by escalating conflict in Middle Eastern nations.

As a solution, the Government initiated diplomatic discussions to purchase fuel from Russia on a Government-to-Government basis. In line with this, the Russian Deputy Minister of Energy arrived in Sri Lanka on a two-day official visit.