Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka,Ambassador-designate of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federationmet Hon. Igor Morgulov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federationon 07 September 2018 to present a copy of his Letter of Credence, accrediting him as the Head of the Mission of Sri Lanka in Moscow.

At the meeting, the Deputy Minister extended a warm welcome to the new Ambassador and underscored the strong and friendly bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and the Russian Federation as well as in the multilateral fora. He also recalled the successful visit of H.E. Maithripala Sirisena, President of Sri Lanka, to Russia in 2017.Deputy Minister mentioned that,there is a possibility to further expand the relationship between two countries in the fields of trade, tourism and education, etc.

The Ambassador expressed deep appreciation to the Russian Federation for the support extended to Sri Lanka in bilateral as well as in multilateral areas.In the remarks, Ambassador mentioned that, the visit of H.E. the President of Sri Lanka to Moscow in 2017 had a tremendous impact to further enhance the bilateral relations between two countries.Ambassador further indicated to the Deputy Foreign Minister that, hewishes to strengthen the academic and policy relationship between two countries as well as to strengthen thedefence cooperation.He also said that, he is delighted to expand multidimensional spectrum between Sri Lanka and Russia.

The Deputy Minister further said that, he has sincere hope to arrange a visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation to Sri Lanka in coordination with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Moscow.