Arms: Sri Lanka looks to India and Russia for arms deals

Media reports suggest that the Sri Lankan government is expected to seek advanced weapons from India and Russia this week to "counter the growing threat posed by Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels, including their air wing."

A Russian defence delegation is already in Colombo, and the Indian delegation will arrive on Monday to review the defence needs of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka will hold separate talks with both countries' delegations. "The visit (by Indian officials) will focus considerable attention on air defence and related issues."

It is reported that the Indian team will review bilateral relations and will have "top level talks with defence and security officials".