The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Russia held a joint event together with the Russian Association of International Cooperation and Russia-Sri Lanka Friendship Society on the occasion of the 65th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Russia.

The ceremony commenced with playing the National anthems of both countries and lighting of traditional oil lamp. Further, the messages of Foreign Ministers Hon. Prof. G.L. Peiris and H.E. Sergey Lavrov were read out.
Foreign Minister Hon. Prof. Peiris spoke about the relationship between Sri Lanka and Russia that covers the variety of aspects including economic, social, cultural, educational and defense fields. Hon. Minister underlined the successful cooperation in the UN and on other multilateral platforms and the consistent support that the Russian Federation had offered Sri Lanka.
Minister H.E. Lavrov emphasized that Sri Lanka has been a long-standing and reliable partner of Russia in South Asia. "Our people are united by the bonds of friendship and mutual attraction. Bilateral ties traditionally develop on the principles of equality, and are distinct for benevolence and readiness to accommodate the interests of each other." the Minister said.
Addressing the audience Ambassador to Russia H.E. Prof. Janitha A. Liyanage underlined that the relations between Sri Lanka and Russia have always been friendly based on mutual respect. "Our two countries have always supported each other in the multilateral affairs and closely cooperated in the international fora sharing common views."
Her Excellency the Ambassador has emphasized interest of both countries in ensuring closer economic ties, cooperation in education, agriculture, trade and tourism sectors and underscored great potential for further interaction in a spectrum of mutually beneficial areas.
The speakers including Chairman of the Russian Association of International Cooperation Mr. S. Kalashnikov, The President of Russia-Sri Lanka Friendship Society, Hero of Russia Mr. Valery Tokarev, President of Sri Lanka – Russia Friendship Society Mr. Susil Premajayantha, and General Secretary of Sri Lanka – Russia Friendship Society, Former Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Russia (2015-2018), underlined the areas of active collaboration between Sri Lanka and the Russian Federation and long history of friendly ties between the two nations.
The official part was followed by a cultural programme performed by Sri Lankan students.
The guests were invited to taste pure Ceylon tea and enjoy Sri Lankan and Russian cuisines.