New Delhi: Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Sunday expressed gratitude to India for sending 38,000 Metric Tonnes (MT) of fuel. Sri Lanka is currently facing a major fuel crisis due to the Middle East conflict.
A few days ago, Dissanayake and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation in which the two leaders discussed the evolving situation in West Asia, with a focus on disruptions affecting global energy security.
Modi informed the Sri Lankan president about India’s firm commitment to work closely together in addressing shared challenges, in line with India’s Neighbourhood First policy and MAHASAGAR Vision.
In a post on X, Dissanayake said: “Grateful for India’s swift support. 38,000 MT of fuel arrived in Colombo yesterday. My thanks also to EAM @DrSJaishankar for his close coordination.”
The Indian High Commission in Colombo said that the Indian shipment comprised 20,000 metric tonnes of diesel and 18,000 metric tonnes of petrol.
It added that the assistance followed similar support extended by India to Bangladesh amid the ongoing crisis. The High Commission also noted that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath held a telephonic conversation on March 23.
Meanwhile, Sajith Premadasa, Leader of the Opposition and head of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, also thanked India for extending emergency support to Sri Lanka.
In a post on X, he said: “Let us not forget those who stood by us when it mattered.”
