Russia has offered to help solve shortages of fuel, fertiliser here, says ex-president Sirisena

By Saman Indrajith

Former President Maithripala Sirisena said that Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Yury Materiy had informed him that Russia could play a critical role in solving the fertiliser and fuel shortages here.However, Sri Lanka had not evinced a keen interest in obtaining Russian help, Sirisena said.

“The Ambassador told me that if Sri Lanka showed a keen interest and made the necessary interventions, Russia could play a big role,” he said.

The former President said that when Sri Lanka unwisely stopped a Russian Aeroflot flight, he sent a letter to Russian President Vladmir Putin. The Russians had shown great understanding even after such a blunder, he said.

“I will try to discuss these matters with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Russia has always been a friend of Sri Lanka. So is China. We have done a lot to distance these friends,” he said.

Sirisena said that MPs from various political parties had urged the government to seek further engagement with Russia.

“The Russian Ambassador also spoke to me at length about the 21st Amendment to the Constitution. I also explained that we wanted an all-party government that truly represents all political parties. Even the SJB and JVP are willing to join an all-party government. Such a government will ensure that Sri Lanka stabilizes. We also spoke about the importance of maintaining good relations between the two nations,” the former President said.