Sri Lanka's President Expresses Gratitude to Modi for Fuel Shipment Amid Crisis

Emergency Fuel Shipment Arrives in Colombo

Colombo: On Sunday, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed his appreciation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for facilitating an oil shipment aimed at alleviating the fuel shortages in Sri Lanka, which have arisen due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

The shipment, which included 38,000 metric tons of fuel—20,000 metric tons of diesel and 18,000 metric tons of petrol—was delivered to Colombo on Saturday as part of an emergency initiative by the Indian Oil Corporation's local branch, Lanka IOC.

Dissanayake took to social media to share, "I spoke with PM @narendramodi a few days ago regarding the fuel supply issues Sri Lanka is currently facing due to the Middle East conflict. I am thankful for India's prompt assistance. The 38,000 MT of fuel arrived in Colombo yesterday."

He also extended his gratitude to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for his efforts, stating, "My thanks also to EAM @DrSJaishankar for his close coordination."

Previously, Sri Lanka engaged in discussions with Jaishankar to explore options for energy sustainability in light of the unstable situation in West Asia.

The Lanka IOC had sought emergency supplies from India after facing challenges in obtaining fuel from their suppliers in the Middle East and Singapore.

Since March 15, Sri Lanka has implemented a fuel quota system to prevent long lines caused by hoarding, leading to legal actions against several individuals caught hoarding fuel.

The energy ministry has assured that fuel supplies will remain available until the end of May.