Three ministers on diplomatic missions to seek support amidst crisis

Three ministers including the Power and Energy Minister will be on diplomatic visits this week to seek support from the world amidst the worst economic crisis.

Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara yesterday announced that two ministers will fly to Russia on a diplomatic visit and to explore possibilities of importing fuel as well.

He said the Government expects a positive response from Russia during the diplomatic visit by the two ministers.

Minister Wijesekara will also leave today, on the invitation of the Qatari Emir. He is expected to discuss fuel imports among other things.

He said the Government is ready to provide necessary facilities to any individual who receives fuel shipments from Russia, by sending a mere written request to the President of Russia.

The Minister also said they received an additional $ 500 million credit line from India after months of discussions.

Minister Wijesekera said the source of fuel should be irrelevant, adding the main objective of the Government is to obtain fuel at the lowest cost.