February 2014 – Udayanga Weeratunga

Wednesday February 12th, 2014in Receptions 0 Comments 0 Likes

175th Anniversary of Tea

Reception on occasion Celebrated 175th Anniversary of Planting of Tea in Sri Lanka
12th February 2014
175th Anniversary of Ceylon Tea industry was celebrated in grandiose scale in Moscow, Russia, Sri Lanka’s biggest tea market. The programme was organized by the Sri Lanka Embassy in Moscow under the guidance of His Excellency the Ambassador. The event was held at the Chancery building of the Sri Lanka Embassy on the 12th February 2014 with the participation of a large gathering. Amongst the crowd, a considerable number of tea trade businessmen from Russia and other CIS countries such as Ukraine and Armenia were also present. The total representation from the business community was around 100 and, out of which at least a half was represented by the Sri Lanka tea businessmen and the rest were from CIS countries. In addition to the Sri Lankan business community living in the Russian Federation, Officials of Government Ministries of the Russian Federation and representatives of Chambers were also present at the occasion. Presence of new businessmen with the potential to do tea trade with Sri Lanka could be considered a significant achievement of the programme.
A PowerPoint presentation was conducted in Russian language by His Excellency Prof. Udayanga Weeratunga during the event. He elaborated on the significance of the day for Sri Lanka and briefly narrated the process of evolution of Ceylon Tea as a commercial industry in Sri Lanka. He explained the fact that the Ceylon Tea industry has evolved to a greater magnitude from the inception in 1839 and emphasized that there is more room for further expansion and development.
Tea statistics displayed during the presentation took the attention of the businessmen and was food for thought for further discussion on the subject. Export market statistics of Sri Lanka and market share in the Russian tea market for Sri Lanka tea was discussed at length. The actual data presented during this presentation was an eye opener even for most of the members of the tea business community. Further the Ambassador explained the remarkable development achieved by the Sri Lanka tourism industry through the Russian market and stated that same can be applied to develop the Sri Lanka tea market in Russia. He also made a request from the Sri Lankan participants to make a genuine effort together with the regulatory bodies to develop the tea industry in Russia.
In the end of the programme, all guests were served with Sri Lankan tea Randy and were served with traditional Sri Lankan cuisine which was enjoyed and appreciated by the gathering.

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by Udayanga

Wednesday February 5th, 2014in Receptions 0 Comments 0 Likes

66th Independence Day Reception

Grand Celebration for 66th Independence Day Reception
5th February 2014
On the Occasion of the 66th Independence Day, a reception was organized at the Residence of the Ambassador, on 5 February 2014. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Honorable Igor V. Morgulov graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In addition to the Sri Lankan community living in the Russian Federation, Ambassadors representing many countries, Members of the diplomatic corps, officials, Sri Lankan and Russian business community and representatives of Chambers were present at the occasion.
His Excellency the Ambassador, whilst delivering the welcome speech made a presentation that highlighted the economic and infrastructure development taking place in Sri Lanka under the leadership of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa. He also emphasized that the strong bilateral relationship with the Russian Federation over a long period has benefited Sri Lanka in many ways. Further the gathering was enlightened on the progress made so far in different spheres, especially in tourism and trade, and room for further expansion was statistically explicated.
The Chief Guest, Mr. Igor V. Morgulov congratulated His Excellency the President and the people of Sri Lanka on the occasion of the commemoration of the 66th Independence Day. Further he appreciated the government initiatives taken to uplift the social and economic development in the country.
All guests were served with traditional Sri Lankan cuisine and were served with Randy Tea.

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Tuesday February 4th, 2014in Celebration 0 Comments 0 Likes

66th Independence Celebration

66th Independence Day Celebration
04th February 2014

The Official ceremony of the 66th Independence Day of Sri Lanka took place at the Embassy premises on 4th February 2014. Commencing the event His Excellency Udayanga Weeratunga hoisted the National Flag of Sri Lanka and National Anthem was sung by Participants of the event. Two minutes silence was observed in honor of the war heroes who sacrificed their lives and limbs to protect and safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the motherland.
The religious ceremony commenced by offering flowers to the Samadhi Statue at the Embassy premises. Subsequent to the religious ceremony, His Excellency the Ambassador read out the Independence Day Message of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa and was followed by the Independence Day Messages of Honourable Prime Minister and Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs by the Deputy Chief of Mission, Major General Nandana Udawaththa and Mr. Samantha Pathirana-HOC. Speaking on the occasion H.E. the Ambassador mentioned the significance of the event and highlighted the key aspects of the message of H.E. the President. He urged the Embassy to work together for the prosperity of Sri Lanka in line with the new government policy. The celebration concluded with a special meal which had been organized by Mrs. Uma Weeratunga and the staff of the Embassy. The participants of the event enjoyed a traditional Sri Lankan meal of Milk Rice, Kokis, Weli Thalapa etc.