65th Independence Day Reception
6th February 2013
On the Occasion of the 65th Independence Day, a reception was organized at the Residence of the Ambassador, His Excellency Udayanga Weeratunga on 5 February 2013. 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, Members of the diplomatic corps, officials, Sri Lankan and Russian business community, representatives of Chambers and Sri Lankan students studying in Moscow, Tver and Kursk were also 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 65th Independence Day. Further he appreciated the government initiatives taken to uplift the social and economic development in the country.
Relations between the Russian Federation and Sri Lanka, which commenced in 1957, have always been cordial and friendly. Over the years, ties relating to trade, air transport, defense and cultural cooperation have been strengthened through bilateral agreements. The two countries have also actively moved forward promoting joint interaction in the fields of defense cooperation, bilateral trade, and tourism.
All guests were served with traditional Sri Lankan cuisine and were served with pure Ceylon Tea.
