Ambassador-designate of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation Shobini Gunasekera called on the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Andrey Rudenko, on 06 March 2025 to present copies of Letters of Credence accrediting her as the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation.

The discussion that followed was cordial and productive focusing on further strengthening the longstanding relations. The Deputy Minister extended a warm welcome to the new Ambassador and assured Russia's commitment to further enhance the bilateral ties.
Ambassador Gunasekera emphasized the time-tested enduring partnership between Sri Lanka and Russia, founded on the principles of solidarity, goodwill and mutual respect and expressed appreciation to the Russian Federation for the support extended to Sri Lanka in bilateral as well as in multilateral fora. Both sides agreed to further expand the relationship between the two countries with high-level visits, inter-parliamentary co-operation and strengthened engagement in trade, tourism and education ties etc.
It was also observed that both Sri Lanka and Russia will celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2027 and in view of the longer history of strong bonds between the peoples of both countries, and the need to celebrate this milestone in a fitting manner.
In this respect, it was agreed to convene the structured meetings namely bilateral political consultations and the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation at the earliest convenience. The meeting marked an important step in deepening diplomatic engagement with both sides.