Colombo [Sri Lanka], March 29 (ANI): Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Sunday expressed gratitude to India for its support in supplying fuel to the country amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.
Dissanayake said that 38,000 metric tons of fuel arrived in Colombo on Sunday. In a post on X, he stated, “Spoke with PM Narendra Modi a few days ago about the fuel supply disruptions Sri Lanka is facing due to the Middle East conflict. Grateful for India’s swift support. 38,000 MT of fuel arrived in Colombo yesterday. My thanks also to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for his close coordination.”
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office on March 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a phone call from Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, during which the two leaders discussed the evolving situation in West Asia, with a focus on disruptions affecting global energy security.
Both leaders reiterated the importance of keeping shipping lines open and secure in the interest of the global community. They also reviewed progress on various initiatives aimed at strengthening India-Sri Lanka energy cooperation and enhancing regional security.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to working closely with Sri Lanka to address shared challenges in line with its “Neighborhood First” policy and MAHASAGAR Vision. The two leaders agreed to remain in contact, the statement added.
Earlier, on March 23, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “A good conversation with FM Vijitha Herath of Sri Lanka. Discussed the repercussions of the West Asia conflict. India stands committed to Neighborhood First and Vision MAHASAGAR.”
The outreach to Colombo comes as several neighboring countries have reportedly sought additional fuel supplies from India to manage energy shortages resulting from the crisis. (ANI)
About The Author
