Historic Visit of H.E. the President to the Republic of Belarus
25th August 2013
Marking the beginning of a golden era in 13 year old diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Republic of Belarus, Sri Lankan President H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa commenced a State visit to this landlocked Eastern European country on 25 August 2013. This being the first Visit by a Sri Lankan Head of State to the Republic of Belarus further enhanced the significance of the event.
Once part of the Soviet Union, the Republic of Belarus is emerging as a nation with enormous economic potential backed by a government considered as one of the most politically stable in the Eastern European region. The President’s visit happened in an era where more and more powerful nations are eyeing the economic opportunities this landlocked country is beginning to unveil.
H.E. the President was warmly welcomed by the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Belarus Honorable Vladimir Makei upon arrival by a special aircraft at the Minsk National Airport at 1.30 PM on 25 August 2013. Belarusian girls in their traditional dresses greeted the Sri Lankan Leader by offering bread and salt which is an ancient Slavic custom of the country. The International Airport at Minsk had been beautifully decorated with Sri Lankan and Belarusian flags.
Sri Lanka’s External Affairs Minister Hon. Prof. G.L. Peiris, Parlimentarian Hon. Sajin De Vas Gunawardane, President’s Secretary Mr.Lalith Weeratunga, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation H.E. Udayanga Weerathunga who is concurrently accredited to the Republic of Belarus were also present.
After the initial welcoming ceremony the President was escorted to the official VVIP hall and tea was served for the Sri Lankan delegation. The Belarusian Foreign Minister accompanied President Rajapaksa to the “President Hotel” in Minsk the capital city of Belarus, where the Sri Lankan leader was accommodated.
First mentioned in the Medieval Chronicles under the year of 1067, Minsk, the capital of Belarus has a population of 1.7 million. This picturesque city is ideally situated on the banks of the Svisloch River which in old days used to be one of the busiest trade routes connecting the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea. Minsk today is a modern city with unparalleled infrastructure coupled with elegant architectural ensembles, fountains, shady parks and green boulevards and being regarded as one of the most developed cities of the former Soviet Union.
