On January 23, 2019 Ambassador Jayatilleka commenced his visits to Academicians having met with Professor Alexander Lukin, Doctor in History and Head of Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs/ School of International Affairs at the Higher School of Economics, Moscow. Dr. Lukin is an expert on China and in 2009 he was one of 60 Russians awarded by President Hu Jintao a medal for the "Outstanding Contribution to the Development of Sino-Russian Relations."

Ambassador Jayatilleka and Professor Lukin spoke about the present and future of US- Russia-China relations with relevance to the World Order and the world economy, and the relevance to Sri Lanka. They have also discussed the possibilities to share contacts with Sri Lankan and Russian thinktanks for joint initiatives and cooperation.