The Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Russian Federation organized an information seminar to promote tourism to Sri Lanka, in partnership with Anex Tour which is one of Russia's leading tour operators, on 14 September 2018.

The event was organized with the support of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and attended by 60 travel agents working under Anex Tour brand name.

The event started with the welcome speech given by H. E. Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation, who was the chief guest of the event accompanied by Madame Sanja Jayatilleka. Ms. Chathurika Perera, Second Secretary (Commerce) of the Mission, Ms. Madhusha Perera, Assistant Director (Russia and CIS) of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and other Officials of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Russian Federation also attended the event.

Addressing the gathering H.E. the Ambassador thanked Anex Tours for their active role in building the bridges between Sri Lanka and Russia and noted the part of Russian Travel Agents in expanding people to people contacts between the two countries.

H.E. the Ambassador further said that, Sir Arthur C. Clarke selected Sri Lanka among all countries of the world for containing the greatest cultural and ecological diversity in the most compact form. Ambassador Jayatilleka invited all Russian tourists to visit Sri Lanka and experience this diversified nature and the culture of Sri Lanka.

During the session, Ms. Chathurika Perera, Second Secretary (Commerce) of the Mission gave a presentation on Sri Lanka tourism information resources and visa procedures.

Further, Mr. Alexi Malyshev of Marketing Department and Ms. Anna Ckachenko, Head of Sri Lanka Destination of Anex Tours were also made presentations which are very valuable for promoting tourism between Sri Lanka and Russia.

Ms. Anna Kardanova of Aeroflot Russian Airline, during her speech announced the establishment of direct regular flight between Moscow and Colombo as of October 2018.

Many Russian guests noted the efficiency of such information seminars and expressed their confidence that, the event was a great opportunity for them to learn more about Sri Lanka's tourism industry with a view at expanding and diversifying travel programmes for Russian tourists in Sri Lanka.