Russian military technology, expertise for Lanka

RUSSIA: The Russian Government has endorsed measures taken by the Sri Lankan Government against terrorism and pledged its fullest support to the endeavour.

This was revealed when Defence Ministry Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa met with Russian Government officials during an official visit to Russia recently.

On a special invitation by Russian Minister of Defence Anatoliy Serdyukov, the Defence Secretary embarked on the visit with a high-powered delegation.

The Sri Lankan delegation was welcomed with special honours at the Red Square and Kremlin and had discussions with officials of the Russian Defence Ministry and other establishments.

Defence Secretary Rajapaksa met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and had bilateral discussions.

During discussions, the Russian Government viewed Sri Lanka’s struggle against terrorism similar to the measures taken in the past by Russia to defeat Chechnya terrorists.

The Russian Government also pledged to take all measures to provide military technology and expertise to Sri Lanka in its endeavour.

Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia, Udayanga Weeratunge accompanied the Defence Secretary during the visit.