Russia assures support for Lanka

J M Hafees, Akurana group corr

Prime Minister D M Jayaratne requested Russian ambassador Alexander A Karchava to grant opportunities to export more tea to Russia. The ambassador said Russia will assist Sri Lanka to become the Miracle of Asia in its journey towards economic development.

Karchava who met Prime Minister Jayaratne at Visumpaya said Sri Lanka and Russia ties are very strong and both countries have benefitted from these ties.

The ambassador also praised Sri Lanka's demining programme.

He said due to the success of Sri Lanka's demining programme, development in the North has been expedited.

The Prime Minister said Sri Lanka worked closely with Russia during the regimes of S W R D Bandaranaike and Sirimavo Bandaranaike.

"Sri Lanka received assistance from Russia in the 1970s to enhance the country's industrial sector. Russia supported to develop leather products, steel and agriculture sectors. Sri Lanka saw rapid economic development with this assistance," he said.

The Prime Minister said Sri Lanka has become a paradise among tourists.

He requested the ambassador to draw the attention of Russian tourists to Sri Lanka.

Prime Minister Jayaratne said President Mahinda Rajapaksa was able to end the 30 - year - conflict and was now going ahead with developing the entire country including the North and East.

"The President has taken measures to uplift infrastructure facilities. The people have been provided housing, water, food and other facilities. All are treated equally under the Mahinda Chinthana," he said.

The Russian ambassador said a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the two countries to boost tourism.

"Nine hotels will be constructed in several cities. Sri Lanka has developed infrastructure facilities required for tourism. Sri Lanka has become a tourist destination due to its airports, ports, beaches and hospitality," the ambassador said.

Prime Minister Jayaratne said he went to Russia in 1957 to study Political Science and traveled in Russia with Dr S A Wickramasinghe who was the Communist Party leader.

Russia worked with dedication to develop Third World countries during that period, he said.

The Prime Minister requested the ambassador to grant opportunities to export more tea to Russia.

He thanked Russia for its cooperation at the last Human Rights Council.