On 13 October 2023, the Russian Environmental Forum (REF) started its run and brought together the main players in the field of solid waste management. Representatives of the state apparatus, foreign diplomats and experts, industry specialists and entrepreneurs gathered on one platform.

H.E. the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Russia Prof. Janitha A. Liyanage was among the key speakers at the International Session focused on Sustainable Development - Formula of the Future. The discussion was also attended by former Minister of Tourism of Thailand, the Ambassadors of Philippine and Mexico and the representatives of Russian Government bodies.
H.E. the Ambassador Prof. Janitha A. Liyanage emphasized the commitment of Sri Lanka towards the environment and spoke about the functioning waste management system in the country, control over environmental pollution, improving of the environmental literacy and protection of the forest cover, impediments and effective solutions.
The Forum was graced by the Deputy Prime Minister Ms. Victoria Abramchenko, Head of the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia Mr. Alexander Kozlov and CEO of the Russian Ecological Operator Mr. Denis Butsaev.