On February 6, 2019 the Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in the Russian Federation held a reception for the Sri Lankan community, residing in Moscow, to celebrate the 71st Independence Day of Sri Lanka.

At the event, the Sri Lankan community was represented by businessmen, academicians, and students, obtaining their higher education at various universities in Moscow.

While addressing the guests, His Excellency Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation, underscored the success Sri Lanka has achieved in fighting against terrorism and noted that "there cannot be independence without a nation and a nation without independence". He urged the Sri Lankan community to be proud of how far the country has progressed since the moment it became an independent state in 1948.
After the official part of the event, all guests were invited to enjoy the buffet with refreshments.