In the evening of 21st July 2021, a farewell reception was hosted by H. E. Prof. M.D. Lamawansa at the Embassy premises for a strong representation of the diplomatic corps, Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Rossoboronexport, and Russia Sri Lanka Friendship Society.

The Chief Guest of the event H.E. Alexey Dedov, Deputy Director of the Second Asian Department, Russian MFA underlined in his speech that over a year of his tenure Ambassador Lamawansa had proven himself at his best. The Deputy Director emphasized that in the challenging pandemic environment the Ambassador managed to make a significant contribution to strengthening the traditionally friendly Russia Sri Lanka relations including political, humanitarian, health, trade and economic ties.
The distinguished guests shared their experience of work with H.E. Prof. M.D. Lamawansa and underscored further potential of interaction in a spectrum of areas. Among them, Ambassador of the Republic of India H.E. Venkatesh Varma, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia H.E. Vardan Toghanyan, leaders of Russia-Sri Lanka Friendship Society Moscow and St. Petersburg branch Mr. Vladimir Polozkov, Ms. Anna Boykova and Mr. Evgeny Shilnikov, and a newly appointed Hon. Consul of Sri Lanka in St. Petersburg Mr. Vagram Zakharyan.
In his remarks, Ambassador H.E. Prof. M.D. Lamawansa conveyed gratitude to all his counterparts and high officials representing Russia Sri Lanka partnership areas for the tremendous support extended to him during his stay in Russia.
The official part was followed by a highly-complimented pure Sri Lankan buffet dinner.