President’s visit – Page 4 – Udayanga Weeratunga

Wednesday June 30th, 2010in Ukraine 0 Comments 0 Likes

Official Welcoming Ceremony

Official Welcoming Ceremony at administration of President of Ukraine
30th June, 2010

The second day marked the highest point of the visit when President Mahinada Rajapaksa met with H.E. Viktor Yanukovych the President of the Republic of Ukraine. President Rajapaksa was escorted to the official residence of the President of the Republic of Ukraine with a Guarded Motorcade. Upon arrival in front of the palace, the Ukrainian leader warmly welcomed President Rajapaksa opening the door of the car of the Sri Lankan leader. National songs of both the countries were sung after which the two leaders inspected the special military parade conducted by the Ukraine defense forces in honor of the visiting head of the state.
The leading Ukrainian officials were introduced to the Sri Lankan President by the Ukraine President while President Rajapaksa introduced the Sri Lankan delegation to the Ukraine leader. The two leaders held one to one discussions at the official residence. Matters relating politics, economy and culture were keenly discussed. The President also briefed the HE Yanukovych on the developments in Sri Lanka including the massive development drive and the process of resettlement in the North and East. President Yanukovych reiterated his countries unconditional support towards Sri Lanka in every frontier.
During the bilateral talks agreement was reached especially on Ukraine’s support to develop the areas which were affected by the LTTE terrorism during the last few decades and for oil exploration in Sri Lanka. Further President Rajapaksa was successful in arriving at an agreement with President Viktor Yanukovich for obtaining Ukraine’s assistance in building Hydro Electric Power Stations in Sri Lanka.
Details of the new facilities and opportunities available for Sri Lankan students to study in Ukraine were provided by the Ukraine government and we were informed that for the first time Scholarships could be offered for Sri Lankan students to study at medical schools in Ukraine. During these discussions agreement was also reached to assist in repairing aviation and military equipments of the Sri Lanka Armed Forces and to provide training opportunities for military officials of Sri Lanka in Ukraine.
Several bilateral Agreements were signed between Sri Lanka and Ukraine during the visit. The Agreement on Cooperation in the field of Tourism. The Agreement in the Field of Military and Technical Cooperation and the Agreement on Mutual Protection of Classified Information.
Both presidents while appreciating the rapid increase in the percentage of Ukraine tourists’ arrival in Sri Lanka stressed the importance of promoting in our countries the cultural aspects of Ukraine and Sri Lanka during the years 2011/2012. Further, it was discussed for a special delegation to visit Sri Lanka in the near future to study new projects in the Tourism industry in Sri Lanka and to initiate flights between Kiev, the capital of Ukraine and Colombo. President Yanukovich gave immediate instructions to the Minister of Transport of Ukraine to take necessary steps towards this process. I believe that the Air flights between Sri Lanka and Ukraine will commence in the very near future in fulfillment of these discussions.
Ukraine expressed interest to provide troller boats and deep freezers that are necessary to increase the productivity of Sri Lanka’s fisheries industry while it was agreed between the parties to further develop the economic relations between Sri Lanka and Ukraine. As a result, an Agreement is expected to be signed between our countries on Maritime Merchant Shipping in the near future.

Brief History of Sri Lanka Ukraine relations
The diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Ukraine goes back to the establishment of formal relations between Sri Lanka and the former USSR in 1955. Sri Lanka has maintained diplomatic relations with Ukraine during the period of USSR (since Ukraine represented itself as an independent country in the multinational organizations). Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic was a founder member of UN and an elected member of UN Security Council, in 1948-1949 just after the Second World War. After the dissolution of the USSR, Sri Lanka entered into an agreement with Ukraine “Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Government of Ukraine” in 1993 leading to establishment of formal bilateral relations between the two countries. On the 12th of February 1993, the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka recognized the Independence of Ukraine with the simultaneous establishment of the diplomatic relations. Bilateral relations between the two countries have been very cordial and an excellent relationship has been maintained between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and Ministry of External Affairs of Sri Lanka.

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Wednesday June 30th, 2010in Ukraine 0 Comments 0 Likes

Ceremony at Park of Glory

Ceremony at the Park of Glory-Lit oil lamps at the monument
30th June, 2010

Morning 30th June the President of Sri Lanka visited the Park of Glory and laied a wreath on a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier & Holodomor Memorial in the city of Kiev. The Sri Lankan Leader was welcomed to the Park of Glory by the Mayor of the city of Kiev. The President honored the fallen heroes of the Republic of Ukraine by laying a wreath at the foot of the monument.
Park Slavi, or the Park of Glory, is located on the intersection of Sichnevogo Povstaniya Street, Suvorova Street and Dmitrievsky Slope. The park is dedicated to the memory of those heroes who died defending Kiev and Ukrainian lands.
In 1957 the obelisk of glory was put up in the park to commemorate the feat of arms of Kiev defenders. The 27 meters high granite obelisk was constructed by sculptors Miletskii, Baklanov and Novikov on the Grave of the Unknown Solder to mark the communal burial place of the war victims. The eternal flame on the grave symbolizes that the Slavic people will never forget heroism of the fallen solders. A wide alley leads to the obelisk and creates a solemn impression, which combines grief for the war victims and pride for the people’s heroism. On the sides of the alley there are 34 graves of those who died for their motherland. Among them is the commander of Kiev defense, colonel-general Mikhail Kirponos, national Yugoslavia hero, aviation major-general Andrey Vitruk, first-sergeant Nikiphor Sholudenko and others. Sholudenko was the first one to drive his tank to Kiev center to liberate the city in November, 1943. The heroes’ burial places, the communal Grave of Unknown Solder and the obelisk are the places where thousands of people annually come and bring flowers on the Victory Day, the ninth of May. Behind the obelisk of glory there is a sight area offering a splendid view on the left bank of the Dnepr River, Kievo-Pecherskaya lavra ensemble and old Kiev temples. In the park there are numerous picturesque alleys and paths for nice walking. The historians believe that the place where nowadays the green park Slavi is situated used to be the village Berestovo, where Kiev prince Vladimir, the one who baptized Rus, had a summer residence with 200 concubines.
Park Slavi is a nice place for a family rest: it offers quietness and calmness, pleasant corners, curved paths and historical monuments.

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Tuesday June 29th, 2010in Ukraine 0 Comments 0 Likes

Arrival in Kiev-Borispol

Ukrainian girls welcomed the President and the First Lady
29th June, 2010

We all need to learn the main lesson of his difficult and arduous journey of service to the nation – the power of the people in its unity! Mahinda Rajapaksa returned to the people of his national pride, and now all Sri Lankans can say “We one People, one Nation!”
The visit of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to Ukraine concluded from 29th June to 03rd July, 2010. That this visit was the first by a Sri Lankan Head of State while also being the second visit by a world leader to Ukraine since the inauguration of Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovich should easily explain the significance of the visit to both Sri Lanka and Ukraine. Keeping in line with the new foreign policy of Sri Lanka, the official delegation led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris held detailed bilateral talks with Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovich.
Welcomed by Hon. Kostyantyn Gryshchenko- Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Mr. Leonid Chernovetskyi -Mayor of Kiev. At the foot of the aircraft steps, 3 Ukrainian girls present Bread & salt to the President. Also 2 Ukrainian girls present flowers to the Madam Rajapaksa. H.E. the President walk on the Red carpet and later Head of the Presidential Secretariat will introduce Ukrainian officials and Ambassador Weeratunga introduce Sri Lanka Embassy officials.
The members of the Sri Lanka delegation consisted of the following : Minister of External Affairs of Sri Lanka, Hon. (Prof). G.L. Peiris, Hon. Sajin De Vass Gunawardena, Member of Parliament, Secretary to the President of Sri Lanka, Mr. Lalith Weeratunga, Additional Secretary to the President, Mr. Gamini Senerath, Secretary of External Affairs, Mr. Romesh Jayasinghe

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Monday February 8th, 2010in Russia 0 Comments 0 Likes

Dinner at Hotel Ritz Carlton

A Reception and Dinner were held at Hotel Ritz Carlton
8th February 2010

A Reception and Dinner were held at Hotel Ritz Carlton from 19.00-22.00 hrs, and H.E. the President was welcomed by Ambassador Weeratunga. Hon. Alexey Borodavkin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs was invited and present at the dinner. The Foreign Minister, Hon. Rohitha Bogollagama addressed the invitees on the bilateral relations between the Sri Lanka and Russia. He mentioned that Sri Lanka defeated and eliminated the LTTE terrorism after 30 years. Foreign Minister also mentioned that despite its involvement in operations which eliminated terrorism, the government of H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa has carried out major infrastructure development projects in Sri Lanka. He invited the Russian investors to Sri Lanka to take advantage of the abundant opportunities available in the existing peaceful climate of Sri Lanka.
Many companies, individuals and members of the Sri Lanka Diaspora were presented with awards for their contributions to the improvement of bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and the Russian Federation, the economy of Sri Lanka and to education as follows: Sri Lanka Tourism Industry – CONNAISSANCE, MALDIVIANA, INTAER, VAND INTERNATIONAL TOUR, PANTEON, RUSSIAN EXPRESS. Sri Lanka Tea Industry – ORIMI TRADE, MAY TEA COMPANY, IMPERIAL TEAS, JAFFERJEE BROTHERS, REGENCY TEAS, RISTON TEAS, HVA FOODS. Bilateral Relations – 2nd Asia Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russia.
Education – Prof. Anatoli Nikolaivich Lizikov, Gomel State Medical University, Prof. Mikhail Nikolaivich Kalinkin, Tver State Medical University, Prof. Victor Anatolavich Lazarenko, Kursk State Medical University. Sri Lanka Diaspora – Mr. Saman Jayamaha, Mr. Udayanga Weeratunga, Mr. Janaka Hamangoda, Mr. Gamini Abeyawickrama, Mr. Hiran Karunaratne, Mr. Sisira Samarasena, Mr. Nisantha Perera, Dr. D. Wickramage, Mr. Ajith Malwatte.
The companies which were awarded for their contribution to the Tourism and Tea industries in Sri Lanka are leaders in the respective industries. Gomel State Medical University, Tver State Medical University and Kursk Medical University have the highest number of Sri Lankan students studying in Russia. The Embassy of Sri Lanka awarded the above named individuals of the Sri Lanka Diaspora for their contribution to the Moscow Friendship Library at the National Defence College in Sri Lanka. The Dinner was followed by a cultural performance by the group of Sri Lanka Air Force. The invitees were also presented with gifts by Riston tea. “Rajatha Dekma” photo exhibition was also held alongside the Reception.

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Monday February 8th, 2010in Russia 0 Comments 0 Likes

US $ 300 million state credit by the Russia

US $ 300 million credit facility to Sri Lanka by the Russian Government
8th February 2010

Hon. Rohitha Bogollagama, Minister of Foreign Affairs met Hon. Alexie Kudrin, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Finance Minister of the Russian Federation at the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation. The meeting was held at the signing of the “Agreement between the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Government of the Russian Federation on the extension of a state credit to the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka”. The Finance Minister of Russian Federation warmly welcomed the Foreign Minister and the delegation. Foreign Minister, Rohitha Bogollagama thanked the Hon. Kudrin for the warm welcome and thanked the Russian Federation for the extension of the credit line of US $ 300 million to Sri Lanka. The Foreign Minister mentioned the close bilateral relations existing between Sri Lanka and the Russian Federation. He emphasized the need for increased economic cooperation between the two countries and mentioned the existing opportunities in Sri Lanka for investment. Signing of the bilateral Agreement between Sri Lanka and Russia on the extension US $ 300 million credit facility to Sri Lanka by the Russian Government is an important outcome of President Rajapaksa’s visit. Mr. Udayanga Weeratunga, Ambassador of Sri Lanka and Hon. Dmitry Pankin, Deputy Finance Minister signed the agreement on behalf of the two governments during a ceremony at the Russian Ministry of Finance. Memorandum of Understanding on Media Cooperation which was also signed during the visit is expected to result in close cooperation between media organization of Sri Lanka and Russia.
The meeting and the signing ceremony was attended by the Russian media.
During the visit President also met the senior officials of “GAZPROM”. Mr. Alexcie Millor, Chairman Gazprom warmly welcomed the President of Sri Lanka and the delegation. During his introductory speech Mr. Millor explained the recent developments between Gazprom and the Government of Sri Lanka. H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa has shown the interest to purchase of oil directly from Russia rather than through the Singapore due to the cost factor. And also explained the current situation regarding the eight oil blocks in the Manar basin. H.E. President appreciated the initial work by the Gazprom on the oil and gas exploration work in Sri Lanka. And also requested to expedite the process. On this reply speech Mr. Miller agreed to speedup and sent a team to Sri Lanka soon to expedite the further actions. And also agreed to further discuss regarding the direct purchase of oil from Russia. Delegation has visited the main control room of Gazprom.

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Monday February 8th, 2010in Russia 0 Comments 0 Likes

Bilateral meeting with Russia

President held bilateral meetings with H.E. Dmitry Medvedev, President of Russia
8th February 2010

President Rajapaksa met Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on 8th February for bilateral discussions at the Kremlin. President Medvedev congratulated President Rajapaksa for his victory in defeating the brutal LTTE terrorists in Sri Lanka and mentioned that Russia has fully supported Sri Lanka in its fight against terrorism and would continue to do so. The leading Russian officials were introduced to the Sri Lankan President by the Russian President while President Rajapaksa introduced the Sri Lankan delegation to the Russian leader. Matters relating politics, economy and culture were keenly discussed. The President also briefed the President Medvedev on the developments in Sri Lanka including the massive development drive and the process of resettlement in the North and East. President Medvedev reiterated his countries unconditional support towards Sri Lanka in every frontier. Thereafter extended discussions were held with leading officials of the Russian and Sri Lanka. Various matters of importance were discussed during the meeting.
Hon. Rohitha Bogollagama, Minister of Foreign Affairs met Hon. Alexie Kudrin, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Finance Minister of the Russian Federation at the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation. The meeting was held at the signing of the “Agreement between the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Government of the Russian Federation on the extension of a state credit to the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka”. The Finance Minister of Russian Federation warmly welcomed the Foreign Minister and the delegation. Foreign Minister, Rohitha Bogollagama thanked the Hon. Kudrin for the warm welcome and thanked the Russian Federation for the extension of the credit line of US $ 300 million to Sri Lanka. The Foreign Minister mentioned the close bilateral relations existing between Sri Lanka and the Russian Federation. He emphasized the need for increased economic cooperation between the two countries and mentioned the existing opportunities in Sri Lanka for investment. Signing of the bilateral Agreement between Sri Lanka and Russia on the extension US $ 300 million credit facility to Sri Lanka by the Russian Government is an important outcome of President Rajapaksa’s visit. Mr. Udayanga Weeratunga, Ambassador of Sri Lanka and Hon. Dmitry Pankin, Deputy Finance Minister signed the agreement on behalf of the two governments during a ceremony at the Russian Ministry of Finance. Memorandum of Understanding on Media Cooperation which was also signed during the visit is expected to result in close cooperation between media organization of Sri Lanka and Russia.
The meeting and the signing ceremony was attended by the Russian media.
During the visit President also met the senior officials of “GAZPROM”. Mr. Alexcie Millor, Chairman Gazprom warmly welcomed the President of Sri Lanka and the delegation. During his introductory speech Mr. Millor explained the recent developments between Gazprom and the Government of Sri Lanka. H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa has shown the interest to purchase of oil directly from Russia rather than through the Singapore due to the cost factor. And also explained the current situation regarding the eight oil blocks in the Manar basin. H.E. President appreciated the initial work by the Gazprom on the oil and gas exploration work in Sri Lanka. And also requested to expedite the process. On this reply speech Mr. Miller agreed to speedup and sent a team to Sri Lanka soon to expedite the further actions. And also agreed to further discuss regarding the direct purchase of oil from Russia. Delegation has visited the main control room of Gazprom.

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Sunday February 7th, 2010in Russia 0 Comments 0 Likes

Kremlin & Red Square

Sightseeing was limited to the Kremlin & Red Square
7th February 2010

Moscow City excursion was arranged for H.E. the President, First Lady and members of the delegation on 7th February. Due to time constraints sightseeing was limited to the Kremlin & Red Square. The sightseeing took place between10.00 – 12.00 hrs. The following places were visited by H.E. the President and the First Lady: Armory Chamber, Diamond Chamber, Uspensky Cathedral, Lenin’s Mausoleum, Red Square.
A dinner was hosted by H.E. Udayanga Weeratunga, Ambassador of Sri Lanka and Madam Weeratunga at the Ambassador’s Residence from 20.00 – 22.00 hrs in honour of H.E. the President and the First Lady. H.E. the President and the First Lady were received and welcomed by Ambassador Udayanga Weeratunga on arrival. Approximately 150 persons including members of the Sri Lanka delegation, members of the Sri Lanka Diaspora and the staff of the Embassy were invited.

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Sunday February 7th, 2010in Russia 0 Comments 0 Likes

Sri Lankan Night at PFUR

Cultural Show “Sri Lankan Night”
7th February 2010

H.E. the President arrived at the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia at 15.00 hrs as the Chief Guest of the “Sri Lankan Cultural Show” which was organized by the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia and the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Russian Federation. The Cultural Show took place at the Main Hall of the Peoples’ Friendship University. H.E. the President and the First Lady were received by Rector Filippov and conducted to the Photo Exhibition “Rajatha Dekma” organized by the Embassy of Sri Lanka and Mr. Sudath Silva. 150 photos were exhibited. A meeting took place between H.E. the President and Rector Filippov after the opening of the Photo Exhibition. At the meeting it was discussed to increase the opportunities for Sri Lankan students for full-term courses in the areas of medicine, engineering and information technologies using 50% scheme system. It was also discussed to introduce programmes for postgraduate overseas training in English medium for the medical specialists who have completed post graduate degree in Sri Lanka and to introduce inter-institutional cooperation “through the exchange programme of teaching staff” with the purpose of obtaining new technologies and innovative methods of teaching and preparing PhD Candidates and Doctorate dissertations. H.E. the President was escorted to the Main Hall by Rector Flippov. The Cultural Show commenced with the welcome address by Rector Filippov and H.E. the President was presented with a memento by the Rector. H.E. the President presented an award to the Peoples’ Friendship University. Awards were presented to the following members of the Academic staff of the Peoples’ Friendship University in recognition of their contribution to education: Ms. Liudmila P. Karpenko, Mr. Viktor E. Radzinsky, Mr. Sergey N. Krivoshapko, Mr. Igor L. Tolmachev, Ms. Zoya I. Esina, Mr. Yuri N. Moseykin. After the presentation of awards H.E. the President addressed the audience. The speech of H.E. the President was simultaneously translated to Russian. The Cultural Show which followed showcased a variety of traditional Sri Lankan dances and performances by a group of Sri Lanka Air Force and the Sri Lankan students from a number of Russian universities. A traditional Russian dance was performed by the Russian students. Approximately 900 participated at this event including around 200 Sri Lankan students studying at Kursk, Tver and Gomel Universities in the Russian Federation. Foreign Minister, Hon. Rohitha Bogollagama, Minister of Education, Hon. Susil Premajayantha, Minister of International Trade, Hon. (Prof) G.L. Peiris, Minister of Mass Media and Information, Hon. Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, Minister of Power, Hon. Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Hon. Wimal Weerawansa, Member of Parliament, Mr. Sajin Vaas Gunawardena, Member of the Southern Provincial Council, Mr. Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the President, Mr. Romesh Jayasinghe, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ms. Indrani Sugathadasa, Secretary, Ministry of Plantation Industries participated.

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Saturday February 6th, 2010in Russia 0 Comments 0 Likes

Doctorate Honoris Causa

50th Anniversary of Peoples’ Friendship University Celebrations held at Kremlin.
06th of February 2010

The visit was associated with the bestowal of the “Doctorate Honoris Causa” by the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia on President Mahinda Rajapaksa on 06th February. The award was made in recognition of “the contribution in world peace, cultural and educational relations and steadily developing bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and the Russian Federation”. It is significant that from the time the University started awarding the Honorary Doctorates only 7 world leaders have been awarded the prestigious award. In 2010, President Rajapaksa had the honor of being the single awarder of the Honorary Doctorate.
President Rajapaksa was bestowed the Honorary Doctorate by Prof Filippov, the Rector of the Peoples’ Friendship University at a ceremony which was part of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of the University. The event was held at the State Kremlin Hall in Moscow with the participation of over 6000.
President and the First Lady were received on arrival by Prof. Filippov, Rector of the Peoples’ Friendship University. The Honorary Doctorate was bestowed by Rector Filippov on behalf of the university. President presented “the award of state medal” to the Peoples’ Friendship University and delivered the acceptance speech. A short Sri Lankan cultural event by the Sri Lanka Air Force followed.
H.E. the President, the First Lady and the VIP members of the Sri Lanka delegation were hosted to private dinner at “Restorant Pushkin” by Riston Tea Company after the ceremony. About 60 persons were invited.

President Rajapaksa’s speech at Doctorate acceptance Ceremony:
It is with a sense of humility that I accept the most prestigious award of the “Doctorate Honoris Causa” of the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia. I do so because the accomplishments mentioned in the citation stem not from my individual effort but from the efforts of the people of Sri Lanka.
The citation spells out that the conferment is due to our contribution to world peace. For over three decades the very existence of our nation and the peace and prosperity of our people were threatened by the menace of the LTTE, described as one of the deadliest of terrorist organizations.
When the terrorists adamantly rejected our sincere efforts for negotiation, we had to use military means to defeat them in a comprehensive manner. It was a humanitarian operation launched with absolute care for the civilian population held hostage by the terrorists for decades.
This evening, I stand before you having been pronounced only a few days ago, the 6th Executive President of my country, on the basis of an election held nationwide on a free and fair basis. The voters through graciously conferring on me a share of almost 58% of the total votes cast, made their desire for peace, democracy and progress known in a very clear and forthright manner, although the campaign launched by the opposition was a vicious one.
During the last 4 years, I have been able to take my country to hitherto unknown heights in development. It suffices to say that during the last 4 years our economy has become stronger despite global recession, and there has been unprecedented progress in every sector of the social and cultural life of the nation. Although we were concentrating on defeating terrorism, we did not forget the welfare of the people and infrastructure development.
Today, our business confidence levels are high. Our future needs in energy, human resources and banking are already planned for. Our poverty levels are dropping sharply. Our international recognition is presently that of a middle income emerging market nation. These conditions make Sri Lanka an obvious favorite of investors from all over the world.
Friends,
It has always been my earnest resolve throughout my political career of 40 years to respond to the trust placed in me by the people of Sri Lanka. I am accordingly supremely confident that having united our territory, I will be able to heal the wounds and unite the hearts of all our people. This is the aspiration of our people.
The Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia is dedicated to the noble ideal of “uniting people of different nationalities, races and religions through knowledge”. Patrice Lumumba, whose life inspired the founding of this university, made it a point to stress that “we retain the right to be friends with whoever we like in accordance with the spirit of political neutrality”. This is very much the spirit in which I propose to address myself to the massive challenges that confront me in the years ahead.
I wish to warmly congratulate the Peoples’ Friendship University on its Fiftieth Anniversary and to hail its magnificent and generous contribution to humanity by enabling over the years tens of thousands from the developing world to obtain within its halls, a first class University education.
In doing so, the University has demonstrated the generous commitment of Russia and her people. My own country Sri Lanka has had the benefit of several thousands of her citizens graduating from this University. To strike a personal note, my younger brother is also a graduate of this great hall of learning and I have had the good fortune to visit this university in the seventies.
Before I conclude, I wish to quote from Appamada Vagga in Dhammapada, the unprecedented Anthology of the Buddha’s word. The Enlightened One says of Heedfulness,
Uttanavatho sathimatho – suchikammassa nisammakarino
Sagngnatassa cha dhammajeevino – appamattassa yasobhivaddathi
It means, “Mindful and striving, pure, restrained and righteous, man advances to fame and prosperity.”
In conclusion, I wish to thank all of you, for being here to share our happiness and I wish you a bright future.

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Saturday February 6th, 2010in Russia 0 Comments 0 Likes

Arrival at airport Moscow

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.

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