Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Russia Prof. M.D. Lamawansa participated as one of the main speakers at the Annual International Forum "Society. Trust. Risks" organized by the State University of Management in Moscow.

 This year, the Forum was held in dual format-off-line and on-line- and participated by representatives of the state government bodies and the Russian Academy of Sciences, leading Russian and foreign experts in economics, politics and medicine, and a diplomatic corps to exchange opinions and discuss best practices, developed as a response to the challenges the whole World is currently facing due to pandemic. The event was also graced by the Rev. Sooriyawewa Gnanadassi Thero and attended by members of Sri Lankan Community.

Ambassador Prof. M.D. Lamawansa's delivered his presentation on the effect of pandemic on Sri Lanka's economy, society and foreign policy with special reference to external relations with Russia. The Ambassador referred to the address of President H.E. Gotabaya Rajapaksa to the 75th session of UN, and emphasized "inclusive, non-discriminatory and holistic" efforts and measures, effectively implemented by the Government of the country in order to control the spread of COVID, which had also been lauded by experts from around the world.
In his speech, Ambassador Prof. M.D. Lamawansa mentioned the remarkable achievement of Russia in developing Sputnik V vaccine and underlined that 'Looking for the future, we note with enthusiasm the news of Sputnik V which I am sure will stand to the expectations of experts and international agencies'.
All speakers of the plenary session agreed that the year 2020 is a very special year. It was marked by a worldwide spread of COVID-19. Though it closed borders and isolated the countries, imposed many restrictions, and effected all aspects of human life, it forced to join the efforts of the whole world in fighting the pandemic and preventing the second wave. In these circumstances, Covid required to develop new approaches as a counterbalance to traditional ones, and yet its impact will be extended over many decades.