Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake says that Iran has responded positively for request made by Sri Lanka for purchasing oil at a concessionary price. According to the Minister, discussions in this regard are due to be held between the two countries shortly.

Minister Karunanayake stated this following discussions held at the Finance Ministry yesterday (24) with an Iranian delegation led by the country’s Energy Minister Hamid Chitchian.

Strengthening existing trade ties between Iran and Sri Lanka took centre stage during today’s deliberations. While thanking Iran for its support for Sri Lanka over the past few years he requested Iran to continue its assistance to Sri Lanka as it has embarked upon a new journey towards development. The Iranian delegation also responded positively for the Sri Lankan Finance Minister’s request for oil at a concessionary rate.

Iranian ambassador to Sri Lanka Mohammed Zaeri Amirani, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga and senior officials of the Ministry were present on the occasion.