Shortly after a phone call with US President Donald Trump on the escalating conflict with Iran, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on the energy crisis caused by the US-Iran war.
Speaking to X, Prime Minister Modi said that his phone call with the Sri Lankan leader focused on the global energy crisis due to the conflict in West Asia.
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“We reviewed the progress on key initiatives aimed at enhancing India-Sri Lanka energy cooperation and enhancing regional security. As close and trusted partners, we reaffirmed our commitment to working closely together in addressing common challenges,” he added.
Lights out in Sri Lanka amid energy crisis
Amid the energy supply crisis caused by the outbreak of the US-Iran war, Sri Lanka ordered street lights, neon signs and billboard lighting to be turned off from Tuesday.
This comes as part of the measures taken by the island nation to reduce energy consumption by 25 percent to address supply shortages.
Government spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa said all state institutions have also been asked to reduce the use of air conditioners.
“We hope that the private sector will also adhere to the guidelines formulated by a committee of experts,” the spokesperson told reporters on Tuesday.
Due to the disruption to global energy supplies, Sri Lanka also raised fuel prices by a third.
Colombo has also introduced a four-day working week after it reinstated work-from-home arrangements last week in order to reduce pressure on the transport network.
Sri Lanka also played a major role after the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena was torpedoed by the US in the Indian Ocean on March 4 while the ship was in international waters after returning from military training in India.
