President arrived at “Vunukova” Airport on 6th February 2010
6th February 2010
President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Madam Shiranthi Rajapaksa visited the Russian Federation for a three day working visit in February 2010. The visit was the first visit by President Rajapaksa after being re-elected for a second term by the people of Sri Lanka. The visit was the first visit to Russia by President as the Head of State and was also the first high level visit after 37 years. The last visit was in 1974 by Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike. Thus the visit is a historically significant event in the Sri Lanka-Russia bilateral relationship. H.E. Udayanga Weeratunga, Ambassador of Sri Lanka in the Russian Federation, Madam Weeratunga and the staff of the Embassy were at the Airport to receive H.E. the President. According to arrangements made in consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation was expected to receive H.E. Mahinda Rajapkasa. However, contrary to the protocol arrangements which were finalized with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, the only representative of the Russian government present at the Airport to receive H.E. the President was Mr. Shebarshin, Director of the Second Asia Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
Delegation: Hon. Rohitha Bogollagama, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon (Prof.) G L Peiris, Minister of Export Development & International Trade, Hon Susil Premajayantha, Minister of Education, Hon Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Minister of Enterprise Development & Investment Promotion, Hon. Mahindananda Aluhtgamage/ Minister of Power, Hon Wimal Weerawansa , Member of Parliament, Hon Sajin Vass Gunawardena, Member of Southern Provincial Council, Mr. Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to H.E. the President, Mr. Romesh Jayasinghe, Secretary, MFA.
