Sri Lanka sends 2 ministers to Russia for oil amid crisis

By BHARATHA MALLAWARACHI
Associated Press

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka is sending two ministers to Russia to negotiate for fuel — one of the necessities nearly exhausted as a result of the Indian Ocean nation’s economic collapse. The plan comes as Washington and its allies aim to cut off energy imports from Russia in line with sanctions over its war in Ukraine. Since its invasion in late February, global oil prices have skyrocketed, prompting a number of countries to seek out Russian crude, which is being offered at steep discounts. In a recent interview with the AP, Sri Lanka’s prime minister said the country would try to buy from other sources, but may be compelled to turn to Russia again.