COLOMBO, March 15 -- Sri Lanka has begun discussions on the possibility of purchasing Russian oil following a temporary easing of US sanctions on certain Russian fuel shipments, the Foreign Ministry said.

The move was discussed during a meeting between Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Russian Ambassador to Colombo Levan S. Dzhagaryan, according to a statement from the ministry.

"As another step to maintain Sri Lanka's fuel supply, Minister Vijitha Herath discussed the possibility of purchasing Russian fuel with the Russian Ambassador," the ministry said.

The ambassador agreed to immediately convey Sri Lanka's request to the Russian government and coordinate with relevant institutions to explore the arrangements needed fo...