'US sanctions on Iran affect Lanka's power sector'

Sanctions imposed on Iran by the US has adversely affected the human rights of the people in Sri Lanka, Power and Energy Minister Champika Ranawaka said.

However, the unity and solidarity expressed by the Iranian people to face the challenge posed by these sanctions is a good example to other nations, he said.

The Minister said this when he met the Iranian and Russian Ambassadors at his Ministry for two separate discussions on the Ministry's programme of work in the power and energy sector next year.

A ministry release said the difficulties faced by the Vidulamu Lanka rural electricity programme in obtaining Iranian funds figured in the discussions with the Iranian Ambassador.

Minister Ranawaka pointed out that 1,000 rural electricity projects had stalled due to difficulties in obtaining Iranian funds following US sanctions.

Iranian Ambassador M.N. Hassany Core said US sanctions had obstructed the flow of Iranian funds. However, Minister Champika Ranawaka reiterated that steps would be taken to ensure Sri Lanka-Iranian collaboration in the power sector in future.

During discussions with Russian Ambassador Alexander A. Karchara Minister Ranawaka commended Russia's role in maintaining the balance of power in the world.

He said Sri Lanka needed Russian co-operation towards the development of the Nuclear power sector in Sri Lanka.

The Russian Ambassador said Russia would inform Sri Lanka about the contribution it could make in this regard within the next two months.