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.
From Russia with love
* US $300M for Lanka’s development
* Support for oil and gas exploration
* Agreement to exchange modern technology
in media sector |
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.
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