Australia buys Indian ATF, diesel, gifts them to Sri Lankan military as country continues its talks with IMF for bailout package

This was under Australia’s initiative to provide fuel for Sri Lanka’s Air Force and Navy — to support regional security, especially human smuggling.

Published: 27th August 2022 03:25 AM  |   Last Updated: 27th August 2022 11:03 AM   |  A+A A-

Policemen stand guard outside the parliament building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Saturday, July 16, 2022. (File Photo | AP)

By Yeshi Seli
Express News Service

NEW DELHI:  India has facilitated diplomatic clearance for a Sri Lankan Navy ship to pick up fuel purchased by Australia from India.

This was under Australia’s initiative to provide fuel for Sri Lanka’s Air Force and Navy — to support regional security, especially human smuggling.

Sri Lanka deployed an Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel to lift the diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) stock from India to its country.

“Australia is pleased to be working with India to provide fuel to Sri Lankan Navy and Air Force. It will help our longstanding cooperation against transnational crime to continue. As Indian Ocean neighbours, all three share a common commitment to preserving regional security,” Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Paul Stephens said.

As per the tripartite agreement, Lanka received about 1.1 million litres of diesel and 50,000 litres of ATF.

“Since they are Quad partners, it worked well for Australia to buy fuel from India for Sri Lanka,’’ said sources. Last month, Australia intercepted four maritime people-smuggling attempts from Lanka. All 125 on board were sent back to Lanka.

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