The staff of the Sri Lankan Embassy in Moscow ceremonially commenced work for the year 2021, with a special programme held at the Embassy mansion on January 11, 2020.

Prof. M.D. Lamawansa Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Russia took part in hoisting of the National Flag of Sri Lanka at the Chancery premises, followed by the singing of the National Anthem of Sri Lanka by the Embassy staff.
Thereafter, two minutes silence was observed to commemorate war heroes and all those who sacrificed their lives for the Motherland. The Embassy staff read the Oath of Public Service swearing to implement the public policies and goals efficiently, productively, with firm determination, utmost dedication, honesty and loyalty to the public.
Addressing the gathering H.E. the Ambassador summarized the achievements of the year 2020 and spoke about the new targets to be implemented in compliance with a well thought action plan, collectively developed by all the divisions of the Embassy for 2021. Prof. M.D. Lamawansa emphasized the key leadership principles he was guided by in his work during 2020 keeping confidence in the staff members, encouraging them and giving freedom to navigate within the limits imposed by the institutional goals, and thanking the Embassy employees for their contribution in the function of the Mission.
In their brief remarks, the diplomatic officers highlighted the challenges and the issues the Embassy divisions were facing in 2020 due to pandemic, and the ways the Mission had to adjust to the new conditions and environment in order to overcome the difficulties and to make the Embassy function continuously.
At the end of the programme the staff of the Embassy received New Year gifts from Ambassador and Madame, and keeping with the tradition, was invited to taste Sri Lankan cuisine.