Special reception hosted by Ambassador Udayanga Weeratunga
2nd July 2010
A Reception and Dinner were held at Hotel Intercontinental from 20.00-23.00 hrs, and H.E. the President was welcomed by Ambassador Weeratunga. Hon. Mykhailo Yezhel Minister of Defence of Ukraine was invited and present at the dinner. The Foreign Minister, Prof G.L. Peiris, addressed the invitees on the bilateral relations between the Sri Lanka and Ukraine. 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 Ukaraine investors to Sri Lanka to take advantage of the abundant opportunities available in the existing peaceful climate of Sri Lanka.
Many companies, individuals were presented with awards for their contributions to the improvement of bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and the Ukaraine, the economy of Sri Lanka and to education as follows: Bilateral Relations – third Territorial Department of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. Education – Lugansk State Medical University. Technical Cooperation- Lviv State Aircraft Repair Plant, Konotov State Aircraft Repair Plant, UKRINMASH. Sri Lanka Tea Industry – RISTON TEAS, HYSON TEAS, JAFFERJEE BROTHERS, REGENCY TEAS, AKBAR TEAS, AHMAD TEA, BATIK TEA. Sri Lanka Tourism Industry – AIR ARABIA.
The companies which were awarded for their contribution to the Tourism and Tea industries in Sri Lanka are leaders in the respective industries. The Dinner was followed by a cultural performance by the group of Sri Lanka Air Force. The invitees were also presented with gifts by JAF, Riston tea. “Rajatha Dekma” photo exhibition was also held alongside the Reception.
