Hon. Wimal Weerawansa, Minister of Industries of Sri Lanka and Hon. Ajith Nivard Cabraal State Minister of Money & Capital Market and State Enterprise Reforms of Sri Lanka visited the XXIV International Economic Forum which was held from 2-5 June 2021 in St. Petersburg in Russian Federation. H.E. Prof. M.D. Lamawansa, Ambassador of Sri Lanka in the Russian Federation also joined the two Sri Lankan ministers for their visit to St. Petersburg.

The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) is a unique event in the world of business and economics. SPIEF has been held since 1997, and since 2006, it has been held under the auspices of the President of the Russian Federation, who has also attended each event. Over the last 24 years, the Forum has become a leading global platform for members of the business community to meet and discuss the key economic issues facing Russia, emerging markets, and the world as a whole.

In the framework of the XXIV St. Petersburg International Economic Forum which held from 2-5 June 2021, the business programme was held successfully and it focused on the global and Russian economies, social issues, and technological development. The Forum has provided a platform to discuss the most pressing issues facing both the Russian Federation as well as global economies, with the participation including leading government figures; senior executives from major corporations and financial institutions; renowned experts; and pioneering entrepreneurs. All the sessions emphasized the importance of having an open, constructive dialogue particularly during the pandemic situation evident today.

The Sri Lankan delegation also visited the exhibition area of the forum which presented pavilions by over 100 Russian companies and had the opportunity to interact with them and discuss on possibilities for future collaborations.

Mr. Ranjith Wimalasuriya, additional secretary of the ministry of industries of Sri Lanka, Ms. Thavishya Mullegamgoda, first secretary (commercial) of Sri Lanka Embassy in Russia, Mr. Anushka Gunasinghe, coordinating secretary to the Hon. Minister, Mr. Nuwan Dissanayakege, coordinating secretary to the Hon. State minister, Ms. D. Amarasinghe, private secretary to the Hon. State minister and Ms. Olessya Romanova, personal assistant to the Ambassador also joined the Sri Lankan delegation.