Sri Lankan President Thanks India for Swift Fuel Support

March 29, 2026

Colombo: Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Sunday expressed gratitude to India after 38,000 metric tons of fuel shipped by New Delhi reached Colombo.

Swift Response Following PM Modi Call
President Dissanayake noted that India’s quick support came after he spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding fuel supply disruptions in Sri Lanka caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict. Sharing his gratitude on X (formerly Twitter), he said:
“Spoke with PM Narendra Modi a few days ago about the fuel supply disruptions Sri Lanka is facing due to the Middle East conflict. Grateful for India’s swift support. 38,000 MT of fuel arrived in Colombo yesterday. My thanks also to EAM S Jaishankar for his close coordination.”

Spoke with PM @narendramodi a few days ago about the fuel supply disruptions Sri Lanka is facing due to the Middle East conflict. Grateful for India’s swift support. 38,000 MT of fuel arrived in Colombo yesterday. My thanks also to EAM @DrSJaishankar for his close coordination.

— Anura Kumara Dissanayake (@anuradisanayake) March 29, 2026

Telephonic Talks on Energy Security
On March 24, President Dissanayake and PM Modi held a phone conversation, discussing the evolving situation in West Asia, with particular focus on disruptions affecting global energy security. The two leaders reviewed progress on key initiatives aimed at strengthening energy cooperation between India and Sri Lanka while enhancing regional stability.

In a separate post on X, PM Modi stated:
“Spoke with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and discussed the evolving situation in West Asia, with particular focus on disruptions affecting global energy security. We reviewed progress on key initiatives aimed at strengthening India-Sri Lanka energy cooperation and enhancing regional security. As close and trusted partners, we reaffirmed our commitment to work closely together in addressing shared challenges.”

Regional Stability and Global Energy Concerns
The ongoing conflict in West Asia has raised concerns over regional stability and global energy markets, especially due to the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a major oil transit route critical to global trade.

Diplomatic Coordination by External Affairs Minister
On March 23, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with his Sri Lankan counterpart, Vijitha Herath, discussing the repercussions of the West Asia conflict. EAM Jaishankar posted on X:
“A good conversation with FM Vijitha Herath of Sri Lanka. Discussed the repercussions of the West Asia conflict. India stands committed to Neighbourhood First and Vision MAHASAGAR.”