The XV Eurasian Youth Economic Forum annual symposium organized by the Ural State University of Economics was convened in Yekaterinburg from 21st to 24th April 2025. The Forum themed around Eurasian Synergy: Multipolarity, integration and identity, building a future through dialogue and mutual understanding brought together youth delegates, academics, diplomats, and policy influencers from across the Eurasian continent to discuss pathways for Eurasian integration and sustainable and inclusive global development. The special role young people, the future leaders, global actors, scientists, entrepreneurs, and government officials can play in the realization of these goals were elaborated by the participants.
Speaking at the Ural State University of Economics, Ambassador Shobini Gunasekera addressed a plenary session on the topic "Together with Russia: Building a future through Dialogue and Mutual Understanding." emphasizing the significance of dialogue in promoting co-operation between countries of different sizes, cultures and resources. Ambassador noted that Sri Lanka sees the Eurasian Youth Economic Forum as a valuable platform to contribute to and benefit from Eurasia's collective strength and shared vision for a multipolar harmonious world.
This year the Forum gathered 22 000 participants from 116 countries, including 22 Ambassadors and 70 senior diplomats from foreign states. This annual forum held in the Sverdlovsk region is also symbolic due to its geographical location saddled between Europe and Asia.
A delegation from University of Sri Jayewardenepura headed by Vice-Chancellor of the University also took part in the event as the partner University of the Ural State University of Economics to strengthen academic collaboration, which proved to be efficient. The Russian language teaching center was opened in Sri Jayewardenepura University by the Ural State University of Economics.
Ambassador Gunasekera on the sidelines of the Forum had productive meetings with the Deputy Governor of the Sverdlovsk region Mr. Vasily Kozlov and other Government officials including the Ural Chamber of Commerce and Industries, tour operators and the Sverdlovsk regional union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs. Parties underlined the progress of the existing collaboration between Sri Lanka and the Sverdlovsk region. In the course of the discussion, the following sectors: tourism, apparels, agriculture and foreign employment, were identified as the most promising areas for further development. The region expressed interest in importing agricultural products from Sri Lanka and recruitment of Sri Lanka's labour force mainly in agriculture, dairy farming and the construction industry.
Ambassador also proposed to conclude an agreement on twin cities, which should contribute to further consolidation of the existing ties.
Deputy Governor Vasily Kozlov stressed that the direct flights between Yekaterinburg and Mattala, is of particular importance. Business opportunities in tourism infrastructure were also discussed.
Ambassador was invited to participate in large-scale exhibitions and fairs to be held in Yekaterinburg this year, emphasizing the importance of such events for strengthening business ties and private sector engagement.
Ambassador Shobini Gunasekera speaks at the Forum
Diplomatic corp with the leadership of the region at the Forum
Meeting with the Deputy Governor of Sverdlovsk region Mr. Kozlov
