Russia has expressed its willingness to provide energy resources, including fuel, gas, and coal, to Sri Lanka, regardless of whether the country is facing a crisis.

Issuing a statement, the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development said this assurance was given by Russian Deputy Minister of Energy Roman Marshavin during a visit by Minister Bimal Ratnayake to Russia.

The Deputy Minister Marshavin also assured that Russia would continue to support other development projects in Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, he further stated that Russia is prepared to provide maximum assistance to address energy supply issues in Sri Lanka, arising from the ongoing Middle East conflict, and agreed to provide full support to meet Sri Lanka’s current fuel requirements as well as any future energy shortages.

Accordingly, the necessary fuel supplies could be arranged for the months of April and May, the statement said.

Highlighting the need to streamline the prompt release of required fuel stocks, the Deputy Minister said that necessary facilities would be provided to facilitate future measures in line with agreements between Russian companies and the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC).

He also emphasized that Russia is ready to supply the coal required for Sri Lanka’s energy needs, the statement said.

It was further stated that Russia hopes to see Sri Lanka’s development path become a reality and will continue to extend support for the government’s sustainable development initiatives.