April 02, Colombo (LNW): Visiting Russian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Andrey Rudenko has encouraged Sri Lanka to pursue stronger energy ties with Moscow, stressing that any cooperation should be anchored in clear legal and economic frameworks rather than short-term arrangements.
Speaking during a policy dialogue hosted by the Pathfinder Foundation with participation from local media and research groups, Rudenko highlighted the broader potential for collaboration between the two countries. He suggested that while external geopolitical factors may influence decisions, Sri Lanka should focus on building sustainable partnerships that extend beyond immediate constraints.
Rudenko also pointed to Sri Lanka’s growing appeal among Russian travellers, noting that tourism could serve as a gateway for wider economic engagement. He indicated that increased visitor flows may pave the way for investments not only in trade but also in technical and service-oriented sectors, provided both nations strengthen mutual understanding and engagement.
Addressing questions about energy cooperation, he confirmed that Sri Lanka’s interest in sourcing Russian oil is currently under review. However, he emphasised that Russia is fielding similar requests from multiple countries, and any agreement would depend on resource availability and the nature of proposed terms. Long-term contracts, he added, would significantly improve the prospects of a stable arrangement.
He also referred to the recent visit by Russian Deputy Energy Minister Roman Marshavin, expressing optimism that ongoing discussions could lead to tangible outcomes in the near future. According to Rudenko, continued dialogue and follow-up engagements are expected to clarify the path towards a possible energy supply deal.
The Deputy Minister is due to hold further bilateral talks with Sri Lankan officials, focusing on expanding cooperation across several sectors. He concluded by noting that easing global tensions would benefit all parties, particularly in ensuring smoother energy trade and economic stability.
