Leaders of nine political parties that defected from the government recently have requested President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to initiate bilateral talks with Russia in view to procure fuel on long-term credit facility.
In a letter addressed to President Rajapaksa, political party leaders claimed that if the government fails to imitate talks, then they will not hesitate to rally with people and force the present administration to procure fuel from Russia to resolve the current energy crisis.
Political party leaders had requested the President to grant them an opportunity to discuss matters regarding the fuel purchase from Russia.
The letter added that they learnt from reliable sources that the government of Russia had responded affirmatively to a request made by Sri Lanka to buy fuel from Russia and that it was unclear whether steps have been taken by the government in this regard.
The matter was discussed in Parliament yesterday as well where Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera clarified that he held discussions with the Russian Ambassador in Colombo and wrote to several energy companies in relation to procuring necessary fuel stocks.
