Russia’s Dy. Energy Minister to arrive in SL today

2026-03-26 - 04:44

A high-level Russian delegation led by Deputy Energy Minister Roman Anatolyevich Marshavin is to arrive in Sri Lanka today (March 26) to explore a Government-to-Government agreement aimed at securing petroleum supplies through a long-term co-operation framework. This marks the first time since 1974 that senior Russian officials have discussed a formal energy co-operation deal with Sri Lanka. Last week, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath met with Russian envoy in Colombo Levan S Dzhagryan at the Foreign Ministry, requesting Russian assistance to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. During the visit, the Russian Deputy Energy Minister will hold key discussions with the Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning – Dr. Anil Jayantha, along with other senior officials. Following these talks, the delegation will meet President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. This visit reflects Russia’s strategic intent to enhance energy collaboration with Sri Lanka through pragmatic and mutually beneficial engagement, highlighting the growing significance of energy diplomacy as a pillar of international cooperation. The Russian delegation includes Vladimir Khazov and Sergei Ivanovich Kudryashov, the head of JSC Zarubezhneft, a leading Russian State-owned oil and gas company.