On December 9, 2019 Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Russia H. E. Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka and Madame Sanja Jayatilleka attended a concert, performed by the Quintet of Mr. Igor Butman, internationally known as Russia's number one jazz personality and a virtuoso saxophonist. In June 2000, he performed in the Kremlin for President of Russia Vladimir Putin and the then President of the USA Bill Clinton during the latter's visit to Russia. President Clinton, himself a saxophonist, called Mr. Igor Butman "my favourite saxophonist anywhere in the world". In 2011 the musician was awarded a rank of People's Artist of Russian Federation for outstanding services to the Russian music by the decree of the then President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev.

The event took place at the jazz club, founded by Mr. Igor Butman himself, which serves as a one of the main venues for musical concerts of Russian and foreign jazz singers and musicians in Moscow.
Prior and subsequent to the concert, H. E. Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka and Mr. Igor Butman met personally and exchanged views on the modern jazz trends and the value of cultural diplomacy.