At the initiative of the Russian Foundation for the Promotion of Buddhist Education and Research, which is headed by Prof. Alexey Maslov, Director of the Institute of Asian and African Studies of the Moscow State University, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Moscow organized online meetings with the representatives of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and the University of Ruhuna, which expressed their interest to develop cooperation in the sphere of Buddhist research and education.

The Foundation for the Promotion of Buddhist Education and Research expressed its interest in developing and implementing joint research and analytical projects between Russia and Sri Lanka, as well as conducting common events. This year the Foundation conducted the First International Buddhist Forum and is interested in inviting more representatives from Sri Lanka to share their input to development of Buddhism in Russia.
Prof. Janitha A. Liyanage, H. E. the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation, pledged the utmost support of the Embassy to the initiatives proposed by the Russian party and underlined the importance of religious cooperation between the two countries, considering the rich Buddhist knowledge of Sri Lanka and the considerable Buddhist population residing in Russia.
In the course of the meetings the University of Sri Jayewardenepura was represented by Senior Professor Shirantha Heenkenda, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr. Ruwini Dharmawardene, Director of the International Affairs Division, Ven. Prof. Medagampitiye Wijithadhamma Thero, teaching in the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, and other members of the Faculty.
The University of Ruhuna was represented by Prof. E. P. Saman Chandana Ediriweera, Deputy Vice-chancellor, Prof. Terney Pradeep, Director of the Center for International Affairs, Ven. Dr. Makola Mangala, Head, Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies and other members of the Department.
Following the discussions the representatives of the institutions decided to take necessary actions to start student exchange, specialist training courses, knowledge sharing practices, exchange of delegations, joint publications and translations of religious texts, arranging conferences, etc.