Sri Lanka’s president and accused war criminal Gotabaya Rajapaksa met with Russia’s Ambassador to Colombo Yury Materiy, as he sought closer ties with Moscow this week.
“President Rajapaksa and Russian Ambassador Yury Materiy discussed a number of important economic areas, including generating more demand for Ceylon Tea in Russia, tourism industry, fuel, coal, gas, aviation, education, trade and fertilizer,” said a Sri Lankan statement.
The meeting came as Sri Lanka sent a high level delegation to Russia in the hope of obtaining much needed fuel, as the island grapples with an economic crisis.
Russia, however, is facing widespread condemnation from states around the world over its actions in Ukraine, with many looking to wean themselves off Russian fuel and energy. Moscow has been accused of committing war crimes in Ukraine.
Despite growing calls for Sri Lanka to condemn Russian aggression, Sri Lankan officials have instead sought to deepen ties with the state, including seeking economic assistance and abstaining on votes regarding Ukraine at the United Nations.
Read more on the growing ties between Russia and Sri Lanka below:
As world condemns Russia, Sri Lanka turns to Moscow for oil
Desperate Sri Lanka looks to Russia for more oil, despite threat of sanctions
‘Overwhelming support for Sri Lanka’ – Colombo claims success at United Nations
Russia and Belarus rush to Sri Lanka’s defence at UN Human Rights Council
Russian tourists lead the way in Sri Lanka, including an oligarch or two
Sri Lanka abstains as UN overwhelming condemns Russian invasion of Ukraine
What are thermobaric and cluster bombs? A look at their use by the Sri Lankan army
As world slaps sanctions on Russia, Sri Lanka looks to deepen trade with Moscow
Sri Lanka ‘won’t take sides’ on Russia and Ukraine, as conflict intensifies
Putin and Rajapaksa exchange letters to celebrate ‘abiding friendship’
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