President returns from Russia

President Mahinda Rajapaksa returned to the country last morning after attending the 15th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in Russia. During his visit, President Rajapaksa held successful bilateral talks on the sidelines of the conference with several Heads of State, including Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, Chinese President Hu Jintao, Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Zapatero and Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev.

During discussions, President Rajapaksa explained to the Heads of State, the progress achieved in resettlement and rehabilitation activities in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, consequent to the humanitarian operations.

He also explained matters relating to the reconciliation programme which is being implemented in Sri Lanka, the economic growth and other development achieved.

During his three day visit, the President also had discussions with officials of Russia’s largest petroleum company GAZPROM, to invest in oil exploration in the seas off the coast of Mannar.

President Rajapaksa also paid floral tributes at the memorial complex in St. Petersberg City – the burial ground of about 490,000 persons who lost their lives during the Second World War.

He also visited the museum where he placed a note in the memorial book.

External Affairs Minister Prof G.L. Peiris, Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal, Senior Minister Dr Sarath Amunugama, Secretary to the President Lalith Weerathunge were among those who accompanied the President.