Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko is currently in Colombo and is expected to hold talks with the top level of the Sri Lankan government, including Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Daily Mirror learns.

Melnichenko, who amassed his wealth mainly through mining activities and fertilizer business, is also expected to visit Colombo Port City today after meeting Premier Rajapaksa.

Melnichenko’s net worth is estimated at over US $ 15 billion, and he has stakes in EuroChem, a fertilizer compmah and SUEK, a coal mining company.

Of late, Sri Lanka appears to be on the radar of billionaires as British-born financier and a member of Rothschild family, Nathaniel Rothschild visited Sri Lanka in early January to explore Sri Lanka’s viability for a potential electronic venture.