President visited St. Petersburg from 16‐18 June 2011
16th June 2011
President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited St. Petersburg from 16‐18 June 2011 regarding his participation at the 15th St. Petersburg Economic Forum at the invitation of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. H.E. the President was warmly welcomed by the governor of St. Petersburg upon arrival by a special aircraft at the St. Petersburg, Pulkovo Airport at 14.30 PM on 16th June 2011. The International Airport at Petersburg had been beautifully decorated with Sri Lankan and Russian 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 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 governor of St. Petersburg accompanied President Rajapaksa to the “VVIP Cottage-Murmansk” in St. Petersburg, where the Sri Lankan leader was accommodated.
