On 26 July 2020 Ambassador-Designate of Sri Lanka to Russia Prof. M.D. Lamawansa accompanied by Mr. Mohamed Anas, Deputy Head of Mission commenced his 3-day official visit to St. Petersburg.

On Day 1, July 26 Prof. M.D. Lamawansa accompanied by Gp. Capt. Uditha Piyasena, Defence Attaché of the Embassy participated at Russia's Main Naval Parade at the invitation of the Russian Ministry of Defence.
The Parade took place in the naval capital of St. Petersburg and featured 46 combat ships and submarines of all Russian fleets including the most advanced vessels that are currently in the service, 41 marine air force units deployed for the air show and 4000 service members. His Excellency the President Vladimir Putin addressed the gathering and congratulated those who had been guarding the sovereignty of Russia and firmly standing up for its interests for more than three centuries.
Before the Parade started, Ambassador-Designate Lamawansa exchanged greetings with Commander Dmitry Kraynov, International Military Cooperation, Western Military District, Russian Navy Forces.

Following the Parade Prof. M.D. Lamawansa together with Mr. Mohamed Anas, DHOM, held a meeting with the Sri Lankan Community living in St. Petersburg including well established businessmen, professionals and students’ representatives. Ambassador inquired about the issues they are facing now. Matters, pertaining to improvement and strengthening of bilateral relations between the countries in trade sector, enhancing trade volumes, possibilities of exporting different products to Russia, opening Ceylon Tea stalls, education, consular and COVID-19 related issues were also discussed

On 27th July Ambassador-Designate Prof. M.D. Lamawansa accompanied by Mr. Mohamed Anas, DHOM had a meeting with Mr. Vladimir Zapevalov, the official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in St. Petersburg. Ambassador had a fruitful discussion with Mr. Zapevalov on the prospects for the development of relations in the fields of education and tourism and the matters related to the appointment of the Honorary Consul in St. Petersburg.

On 28th July Ambassador-Designate M.D. Lamawansa participated as the Chief Guest at the opening ceremony of the St. Petersburg branch, Russia-Sri Lanka Friendship Society, organized by the International Tea Center, one of the oldest tea shops and the only tea museum in Russia. Addressing the gathering Ambassador expressed his readiness to work closely with the branch and the organizers shared their plans for future.

The last meeting was held at the Office of the St. Petersburg City Government, Smolny attended by a senior delegation representing the government. The City Government was represented by Mr. Evgeny Grigoryev, the Head of the Committee on International Cooperation, Ms. Nana Gvichia, Vice-Minister, Tourism Committee, Mr. Alexey Litvinyuk, head of trade department, Committee for the Industrial Policy, Innovations and Trade, Mr. Yuriy Petrov, Committee on Healthcare, Yuriy Snisarenko, Science and Higher Education Committee.

During the welcome remarks by Mr. Evgeny Grigoryev, the Head of the Committee on International Cooperation he praised the initiative of Ambassador to donate tea for the hospitals in Russia where COVID-19 patients are treated. The St. Petersburg government expressed interests in establishing links in trade, political, tourism, culture, science, higher education, and medical spheres. H.E. the Ambassador was extended an invitation for the opening ceremony of the Center of Competence in the industry of tourism, which will take place in November 2020 in St Petersburg.