President returns after successful tour:

New chapter in Lanka-Russia ties

President Mahinda Rajapaksa returned to the island yesterday after a successful working visit to Russia at the invitation of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. During the first foreign visit which followed the landslide victory at the Presidential Election, President Rajapaksa was able to reap several dividends beneficial to Sri Lanka.

The Russian Government agreed to grant US $300 million for Sri Lanka’s development activities which have begun after the elimination of terrorism from Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka also received positive assistance of support from the Russian government in its oil and gas exploration efforts in the seas off mannar.

One of the world’s largest gas company Gasprom has come forward to assist in these oil explorations. President Rajapaksa also had entered into an agreement with Russia to exchange modern technology in the media sector. During this official visit, President Rajapaksa was also awarded an Honoris Causa Doctorate by the Russian Friendship University.

This university granted the title on the President in appreciation of the President’s unique service towards world peace after ending the terrorism and also in recognition of his outstanding contributions towards the educational, cultural and other relevant fields. President Rajapaksa is the sixth head of state to be awarded this honourary title in the world.

The Russian Friendship University also presented a golden crown studded with gems to President Rajapaksa as a token reminiscent of Russian Monarchy and in consideration of the President’s role also as a king who brought about peace to the world.

This historic meeting of both Presidents in Russia has paved a new way to renew their mutual relationships between the two countries in the present era. The Russian President also expressed his deep appreciation over President’s victory and promised to assist towards future prosperty in Sri Lanka.

At these talks, President Rajapaksa emphasised that he would make every effort to strengthen ties with Russia at a time when he in engaged is rebuilding the country with massive development activities after restoring peace by eliminating the scourge of terrorism which threatened the entire world.

During this visit, the President also visited several places of importance in Russia including the Red Square where Russian leader Lenin’s remains are deposited. President paid respect to this leader’s burial site.

This President’s Russian has marked the beginning of a new chapter in the Russia-Sri Lanka friendship which has lasted from the very ancient time.

President Rajapaksa was accompanied by First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, Ministers Rohitha Bogollagama, Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, Susil Premjayantha, G.L. Peiris, Mahindanande Aluthgamage, Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa, Secretary to President Lalith Weerathunge, Foreign Ministry Secretary Romesh Jayasinghe and Coordinating to President in foreign affairs Sajin Vass Goonawardene.