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Sri Lanka cannot procure Russian oil before US sanctions return – Champika

Published

4 weeks ago

2026/04/2

Sahan Weerasooriya

Patali Champika Ranawaka

… talks with Moscow cover fresh coal supplies

Eksath Janaraja Peramuna leader Patali Champika Ranawaka yesterday (01) said that Sri Lanka would not be able to secure oil from Russia before the reimposition of US sanctions on Russian oil. The former Minister said so at a joint Opposition media briefing in Colombo. He said it wouldn’t be possible to import Russian crude before the 12 April deadline.

Deputy Russian Energy Minister Roman Marshavin was here last week to discuss how the Russian Federation could help Sri Lanka meet its energy needs.

Sources familiar with the challenges faced by Sri Lanka, due to the disruption of crude/gas/refined products supply lines, said that the country’s only refinery needed crude to ensure the operation of the facility.

According to the Energy Ministry, during discussions with the delegation, led by Deputy Minister Marshavin, Sri Lanka was offered refined petrol, diesel and aviation fuel, in addition to crude oil. The discussions also covered the procurement of coal from Russia, according to the Ministry.

In 2025, the NPP government reached an agreement with an Indian supplier to bring in coal from South Africa. However, low-quality South African coal has caused a severe crisis due to the country’s only coal-fired power plant at Norochcholai failing to generate at the required levels, parliamentary sources said, referring to a report submitted by the CEB to the Parliament.

Meanwhile, informed sources said that there had been some discussions between Sri Lanka and India regarding the proposed move by the NPP government to procure oil directly from India.

Ranawaka said that of the six promised crude ships, four wouldn’t be coming, regardless of assurances given by the government. He alleged the government was trying to deceive the public that power cuts were inevitable due to continuing drought but the truth is the low-quality coal that caused the crisis. The recently announced electricity tariff hike, too, was due to the coal fraud, he alleged. (SF)

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the North-central, Eastern, and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kurunegala, Monaragala, Vavuniya, Mullaittivu and Kilinochchi districts during the day time

Published

15 mins ago

2026/04/30

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 29 April 2026, valid for 30 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the North-central, Eastern, and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kurunegala, Monaragala, Vavuniya, Mullaittivu and Kilinochchi districts during the day time.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on the human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491

Latest News

President and Exco of Sri Lanka Cricket step down

Published

14 hours ago

2026/04/29

Priyan

Sri Lanka Cricket has announced today (29) that the President of Sri Lanka Cricket and members of the Executive Committee have tendered their resignations.

The decision has been formaly communicated to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Latest News

Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Kegalle, Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts during the day time

Published

21 hours ago

2026/04/29

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 28 April 2026, valid for 29 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Kegalle,
Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts during the day time.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.