Tuesday August 11th, 2009in Workshop 0 Likes

Workshop with Tour Voyage

Sri Lanka Presentation with tour operator ”GarndTourVoyage”
11 August, 2009

The Ambassador of Sri Lanka in the Russian Federation, H.E. Udayanga Weeratunga, took part in a Sri Lanka presentation on 11th August, 2009, which was hold by Grand Tour Voyage Travel Company in Radisson SAS Hotel in Moscow. That event was organized for heads of Mostaravel agencies network. H.E. Udayanga Weeratunga narrated about Sri Lanka, main sights, itineraries, souvenirs, and visa formalities. The Ambassador shared news that Tourism Department of the Embassy finalized an audio guide about Sri Lanka on the Russian Language.
This CD will be distributed free of charge among Russian and Sri Lankan travel companies for them to use further on Sri Lanka. Audio guide includes excursion around Colombo, Anuradhapura, Mihintale, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy, Pinnawala, Nuwara Eliya, Yala, Galle as well as stories about gems, species, ayurveda, masks and national dance. It was mentioned that Russian TV channel will be broadcasted in Sri Lanka Hotels more active soon. For the moment, RTR-planet and 1 ORT are the only Russian speaking channels in Sri Lanka. All hotels are getting and improving a menu card in Russian, which is very helpful for all Russian tourists in Sri Lanka.
There were announced the promising tourism areas in Sri Lanka. Hotels of the Eastern Coast are opened for tourists but they can’t get 5* service there, although beaches are worthy of 7* marks. Russian tourist couldn’t stay indifferent to blue transparent Ocean and white send of Trincomalee, Nilaveli, Baticaloa, and Arugam Bay. Kalpitiya project will provide 4000 new rooms for the country within next 5 years. That is round 1/3 part of the present rooms quantity on the Island. At the end of the speech, the Ambassador Weeratunga mentioned that Sri Lanka is the best place for investments and government is doing its best to protect foreign property.

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Monday August 10th, 2009in Celebration 0 Likes

Presentation Book & Film

Presentation of “Rama’s Bridge” & Historical guide book on Sri Lanka
10 August, 2009
In the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Moscow held an event that showcased a film titled ‘Rama’s Bridge’. At the same event the Sri Lankan Embassy presented a Historical guide book on Sri Lanka. The book was published in the Russian language and is a result of the team work of the “Veche” publishing house, the Astravel travel company, the Travel Department of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Russia and the personal involvement of H.E. the Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Russia Udayanga Weeratunga.
Speech of H.E. Udayanga Weeratunga 10.08.09
The event was attended by mass media representatives from Russian Federal TV channel such as “Russia”, TVC, RBK as well as print media journalists from Interfax, ITAR TASS, Izvestiya, Russian Gazette, Russian Information Agency and some internet information agencies. Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Ministry of Cultural Affairs of Russia, and Ambassadors of 12 friendship countries and representatives of the film industry in Russian Federation also participated.
The film Rama’s Bridge portrayed the journey of a fearless warrior who walks across the sea over a bridge from India to Sri Lanka. This bridge is 38km and is only seen in ancient maps and heard of in legends. The film shows the dangers faced by him and what waits for him on the other side.

The guideline of the historical guide book about Sri Lanka was created by the Embassy’s travel department. This book is the first Russian edition with a full and detailed description of Sri Lanka, its culture, traditions, historical heritage, nature, travel opportunities and legends. “The main objective for the book was not to simply write a book on Sri Lanka, but to help the Russian people understand my country, culture and traditions better’, said Ambassador Weeratunga. The photos used for the book were from the personal achieves of the Ambassador and the staff of the Sri Lankan embassy.
The author of this project and the book were nominated for an annual Russian Senkevich Prize in the field of tourism in year 2009. At the event, Mr. Sergey Dmitriev, editor-in-chief of “Veche” publishing house, spoke of the warm and tangible support extended by the Sri Lankan Embassy. The Historical guide book about Sri Lanka in the Russian Language has been on sale at all bookshops all over Russia.

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Thursday July 2nd, 2009in Meeting 0 Likes

Meeting ACTOR

Meeting for Association of Russian Tour Operators (ATOR) at the Embassy
02 July, 2009
General Meeting of Association of Russian Tour Operators (ATOR) took place at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Moscow on 02.07.2009. This is the first time such a meeting was held outside of their usual place. ATOR is the non-government organization which was founded on 18th of January 2007 by the main Russian tour operators. There are more than 50 members of the Group at the moment from different regions of Russia. They accumulate 70% of volume of the Russian travel market.
Ambassador of Sri Lanka Udayanga Weeratunga delivered the keynote addressed and short note about Sri Lanka hot spots and mentioned that the recent victory brought a great opportunity for tourism industry and year 2011 was declared as “Visit Sri Lanka“. Ambassador explained the developing opportunity of Eastern and Northern provinces together with Sri Lankan plans to increase the number of tourist up to 2.5 million of people in 2016.
There were over 30 members from TEZ Tour, Intaer, Astravel, Intourist, Russian Express, Valtex Travel, Lanta-Tur Voyage, Paraisol, KMP Group, Megapolus Group, Startravel, Russian Railways Tours, Solvex Tour, Neva, Capital Tour, Inna Tour, Biblio-Globus, ITC Group, UTS Travel, BSI group, VKO Group, ICS Group, Coral Travel, Pegas Touristic, Natalie Tours, Space Travel, Express Line Travel, S7 Tour, Sunmar, Spectrum Travel, Pac Group.
AGEM commenced with the lightning of the traditional lamp and at the end of the meeting Ambassador hosted a dinner. Ambassador expressed his perfect willingness to support the unified Russian tour operator’s standards and wished prosperity to all members of Association. Finally, Sri Lankan Tea ceremony was conducted and all guests were presented with the best Sri Lankan tea from the Ambassador.

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Saturday June 27th, 2009in Receptions 0 Likes

IG of Police Visit 2009

Visit of Inspector General of Police Mr. Jayantha Wickramaratne to Russia
27 June, 2009
IGP Sri Lanka Mr. Jayantha Wickramaratne represented Sri Lanka for this Conference Also DIG Anura Ekanayake (Crimes & Organized Crimes) participated this conference together with IGP. Mr. Jayantha Wickramaratne conducted Presentation on “Assessment of the Current Terrorist threat to world community”. Ambassador Udayanga Weeratunga hosted a special lunch for the delegation on 26 June 2009 at the Ambassador’s residence.
The International Conference of Head of Intelligence Agencies, Security Services and Law Enforcement Bodies concerning the Problems of Combating Terrorism concluded on 25th June 2009 in Irkutsk. Russia recognizing the increasing challenge posed to democratic States by terrorist groups, and the need for greater cooperation at both the bilateral and multilateral levels in facing up to this challenge. Federal Security Service of Russian Federation hosted this conference.
The Conference, attended by terrorism experts from various countries like Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, the United States of America and Vietnam including Sri Lanka and media from 27 countries, pledged to continue to function as a network in furthering the struggle against terrorism.

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Wednesday June 24th, 2009in Celebration 0 Likes

Embassy Cup 2009

Cricket Tournament “Embassy Cup 2009″
04 July, 2009
Annual Cricket Tournament organized by the Embassy of Sri Lanka for the second time was held on 04th of July 2009 at the play ground of Peoples Friendship University of Russia. This colorful event was ceremonially declared open by the H.E. Udayanga Weeratunga, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation by lighting the traditional oil lamp and playing National anthem at 10.30 a.m.
They were more 200 viewers gathered to watch the matches and all of them were served with lunch provided be the Ambassador. The eight cricket teams of Sri Lankans from the different cities of the Russian federation were participated. The tournament was concluded around 7.30 pm and the certificates and prices were given by the Ambassador, diplomats and sponsors.
All players of the team were given certificated and gift parcels while champions were given Embassy Cup Trophy and Cash US$ 1,000.00, Runner’s Up US$ 500.00. Man of the Match US$ 300.00 and Special award for the all Rounder US$ 200.00.
The ceremony was conducted around 8.30 pm with every ones good wishes for the excellent organizing.

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Tuesday June 23rd, 2009in Receptions 0 Likes

Navy Commander in Moscow

Visit of Sri Lanka Navy Commander to Russia
23 June, 2009
Sri Lankan Navy Commander Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda visited to Moscow on 21st June to 26th June 2009 Ambassador Udayanga Weeratunga organized a special reception for the Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda at his official residence on 23.06.2009.
Ambassadors and diplomats, foreign official representatives Sri Lankan business personnel participated this event. On this special occasion Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda delivered speech and explain the current situation in Sri Lanka and he especially thanks to the Russian Federation for the help to defeat terrorism in Sri Lanka. During the visit Sri Lankan Navy Commander visited Military Maritime Fair in St.-Petersburg from 24 till 26 June, 2009.

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Friday June 12th, 2009in Celebration 0 Likes

Pirith Ceremony in Moscow 2009

All Night Pirith Chanting in Moscow to bless the President and Sri Lankans
12 June, 2009
Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in Russian Federation conducted All Night Pirith ceremonies on 12th June and Alms Giving on 13th June to the Maha Sangha to invoke blessings on President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Government and people of Sri Lanka, tri forces personnel who sacrificed their lives and personnel who were injured in the war. This was the first and biggest religious event conducted by the Sri Lanka Mission in Russian Federation for the last 52 years of diplomatic relations between two countries.
On the invitation of Ambassador Udayanga Weeratunga the Buddhist priests led by Ven.Dr.Pallekande Ratanasara Thero (Sri Lanka), Ven. Villachchiye harmavijaya Thero (Berlin), Ven. Rambukwelle Dhammavijaya Thero (Berlin), Ven. Pathakada Sumanatissa Thero (Sri Lanka), Ven . Viloye Wimalajothi Thero (London), Ven. Karuwelagaswewa Anuruddha Thero (Zurich), Ven.Dr.Vijayarajapura Seelawansa Thero (Viena) and 2 Sri Lankan Monks Ven.Rakwane Gnaseeha Thero and Sevanagala Ginorasa Thero, in Moscow were participated in these religious ceremonies.
Russian Foreign Ministry officials, Ambassador & Diplomats from the SAARC and CIS Embassies and Sri Lankans living in Moscow were participated this Pirith Chanting. These Buddhist monks were conducted to the Ambassador’s Residence in a procession with the participation of distinguished invitees, Sri Lankan business community and students, who carried a national flag and Buddhist flags, Sesath, along with Kandian dances performed by the Sri Lankan students of the Tver State Medical Academy. The Pirith chanting was done within “Pirith Mandapaya” erected in traditional Sri Lankan style in the main hall of the Ambassador’s Residence, with the participation of a number of representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Buddhist Missions in Moscow, other religious dignitaries, as well as Russian Buddhist devotees.

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Friday May 22nd, 2009in Celebration 0 Likes

Victory Celebration

Embassy Staff celebrated Victory over Terrorism
22 May, 2009
Staff of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Russian federation gathered in embassy outside Friday Heroes’ Day and the Sri Lankan victory against terrorism. Ambassador Udayanga Weeratunga congratulated the President, Defense Secretary, Army, Navy, Air Force and Police Commanders and all the service men and women for their contribution.
This special gathering started with hosting of National flag and minutes silence and ended with the patriot songs.

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Thursday May 21st, 2009in Celebration 0 Likes

International Banking Award

Sri Lanka sponsoring “International Banking Award 2009″
21 May, 2009
Embassy of Sri Lanka was a sponsor of the “International Banking Award – 2009” on 21st of May 2009 in cooperation with Taj Exotica Hotel 5*, Bentota, and Qatar Airways. Russian Central Bank, the 1st prize-winner, got the special star as the “Best Russian Bank – 2009”. The head of the Central Bank department of licensing made a major contribution to the developing of Russian Banking System and was awarded a 10 days trip for 2 persons to Sri Lanka in Taj Exotica, Bentota on HB basis presented by H.E. personally.
The Ambassador noted that Taj Exotica one of the most comfortable and splendid hotel on the western coast of Sri Lanka. H.E. had a speech during the ceremony and declared the end of war in Sri Lanka together with invitation for guests to visit Sri Lanka – a miracle Island and the best holiday and MICE destination within Asia.
Ambassador thanks to Qatar Airways provided the winner with 2 business class tickets Moscow – Colombo – Moscow. Embassy of Sri Lanka expresses the special gratitude to Taj Exotica, Bentota for 10 days free package for prize – winner! On behalf of Embassy of Sri Lanka Ambassador thanks to Qatar Airways provided the winner with 2 business class tickets Moscow – Colombo – Moscow. Embassy of Sri Lanka expresses the special gratitude to Taj Exotica, Bentota for 1 week free package for prize – winner! There was a Banking television Unite on that event which interviewed H.E. about the future investment opportunity in Sri Lanka and Russian banking system development. Also Ambassador said that near future Russian national currency ruble will becomes the most stable and strong all over the world.

This Award was instituted in 2005 by the media holding company “Informbank” in co-operation with Regional Banks Association, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation, Russian Business owner and Industrialist Union, European Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Russian Governmental Financial Academy. The biggest Russian Banks participated the event including the regional Banks and brunches. The ceremony took place at a very nice banquet hall for 300 guests attended by the brass band of the Russian Armed Forces. All guests were presented with Sri Lankan brochures and 30 prize-winners got finest Ceylon tea from the Ambassador and Taj Exotica’s brochures as well. Sri Lanka had its LOGO on all invitation cards and event’s programs.

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Saturday May 16th, 2009in Celebration 0 Likes

Kursk University Visit 2009

Ambassador visited the Kursk State Medical University
16 May, 2009
We should salute the commanders and the members of the Armed Forces for their valiant efforts and sacrifices made to defeat the ruthless group of terrorists and for their great humanitarian civilian rescue operation that the Armed Forces conducted with sympathy for the helpless civilians of the North. This was the part of the speech made by Ambassador Weeraunga when he participated as a Chief Guest for the Kursk State Medical University’s Special Reception and cultural show -Sinhavalokana- of the Sri Lankan students.
Kursk Medical Academy situated 600 km from the Moscow town and more than 225 Sri Lankan students studying in this university. Ambassador met Rector of the Kursk Medical Academy Prof. Viktor Lazarenko and other department heads and discussed about the problems and difficulties of the Sri Lankan students and got the first hand information from the University authorities. Further Ambassador Weeratunga informed about the current and latest situation in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan government is working on dozens of projects, using about one third of the budget in financing, although that number constantly shifts as new sources of projects are identified. Work has already begun to restore the electric, water, and sanitation infrastructure. The first phase of reconstruction providing emergency supplies of water and humanitarian aid. Also Ambassador said that it took soldiers to win the war, but it will take engineers to win the peace, therefore Sri Lankan government already started the construction and rehabilitation process in the Northern Province. Special cultural show organized by Sri Lankan students received huge reception from the Russian and participants. Cultural items of all nationalities in Sri Lanka showed the unity and the talents of the Sri Lankan students. Next day Ambassador Weeraunga had the special meeting with Sri Lankan students and discussed about the hostel facilities and other educational matters.

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