Russia – Sri Lanka true friends – Vladimir Polozkov

Russian Association for International Cooperation Secretary General Vladimir Polozkov and Deputy Chairman of the Board of Friendship Society with Sri Lanka Vladimir Polozkov on Tuesday said that Russia and Sri Lanka are true friends and the relations between the two nations are very strong.

He said that the Russian Association for International Cooperation which marked the 125th anniversary this year, has played a pivotal role in enhancing relations between Russia and other nations.

Polozkov who headed the Russian House in Colombo from 1993 to 2000 said that the two countries have strong relations in almost all sectors for decades.

He was speaking at the inauguration of the forum “Under one sun Russia – Sri Lanka People’s Diplomacy and Culuture” and the launch of the Centre of Russian Geographical Society in Sri Lanka, held at the Russian House in Colombo on Tuesday.

General Secretary of the Sri Lanka – Russian Friendship Association and Chairman of Russian Geographical Society in Sri Lanka Dr. Saman Weerasinghe said that people diplomacy is significantly contributing to the development of strong relationships between nations.

“We take great pride in having sustained and enhanced our close friendship with the Russian Federation since the establishment of diplomatic relations between two countries”, he said .

Dr. Weerasinghe said that the Russian Geographical Society is functioning under the guidance of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Government.

“This occasion is significant for us, because this organisation has been functioning under the guidance of the President and the Government of the Russian Federation. Prominent Russian business entities, including Gazprom and the Savings Bank of the Russian Federation, are among the leading sponsors of this organisation”, he said.

Dr. Weerasinghe who was Sri Lankan Envoy in Moscow said that the initiative will serve as an additional source of encouragement for both nations to realise our mutually beneficial collaboration in various sectors, such as cultural and humanitarian fields.

He commended the services of Vladimir Polozkov for the enhancement of relations between Sri Lanka and Russia. “Polozkov made a great contribution and has been playing a vital role in his capacity as the Secretary-General of the Russian Association for International Cooperation, as well as serving as the Deputy Chairman of the Board of Friendship Society with Sri Lanka”, he said .

Dr. Weerasinghe added that Russia has long been an important partner and a true friend to Sri Lanka, with its contributions to Sri Lanka’s socio-economic development over the past several decades being incomparable.

He added that Moscow and Colombo maintain close political dialogue at the highest level. “The relations between the Russian Federation and Sri Lanka have always been based on the principles of equity, mutual respect, and recognition of one another’s interests”, he said.

Senior Vice President of the Sri Lanka Russia Friendship Society and Board Member of the Russian Geographical Society in Sri Lanka and Mahanayaka Wajirawansa Chapter in the Sri Lanka Amarapura Mahanikaya Most Ven. Dr. Pallekanda Rathanasara Thera, Russian Ambassador in Colombo Levan S. Dzhagaryan, Labour Minister Professor Anil Jayantha, former Ministers Susil Premajayantha and Dr. Ramesh Pathirana were present.

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