REFUGEE

It is no coincidence that the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Lavrov visits Sri Lanka when highly critical US report on Sri Lanka is published. An undisclosed source from the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry told Lanka News Web that the visit is not all good news for Sri Lanka. As the evidence from the US congressional report is so compelling, Russia could only provide limited diplomatic cover in the future to Sri Lanka, was the message from Mr Lavrov.

Russia has expressed keen interest on oil exploration in Mannar Bay. It is understood that Russia would be given preferential treatment on

future oil exploration contracts as gratitude for the support shown in the past in international arena.
Mr Lavrov was extended an invitation to the Buddhist Temple in Colombo, Gangaramaya. He was unable to attend because of pre arranged appointments that he could not cancel. He proudly claimed that Russia is the world’s largest importer of Ceylon (Sri Lankan) tea. He said he would like to see more Russian goods in Sri Lanka and wanted to share their expertise in executing industrial and infrastructure projects.