Report: Sri Lankan president asks for Putin’s help with oil

NEW DELHI, Jun 30 (PRIME) -- Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has sent a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin asking for cooperation in oil purchases, local newswire the Daily Mirror reported on Thursday quoting a source close to Rajapaska’s administration.

The two presidents will discuss the issue over the phone in a few coming days to arrange Rajapaska’s possible official visit to Moscow. The Sri Lankan president also plans to visit the United Arab Emirates to discuss fuel imports, the Daily Mirror reported.

Sri Lanka is going through the worst economic crisis since it gained independence in 1948. In April, the country announced a default on external debt for a transition period until the restructuring is organized.

The coronavirus pandemic undermined the country’s tourism sector, causing a shortage of foreign currency and the inability to buy enough fuel. The country also lacks food and other necessities, and the lack of fuel causes power shortages.

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