Hon. Prasanna Ranatunga, Minister of Tourism of Sri Lanka met Ms. Elena Lysenkova, Deputy Head of the Federal Agency of Tourism of the Russian Federation on 03rd August 2021 in Moscow. Mr. Smilevets Demyan Olegovich, Head of the Department of the International Cooperation of the Federal Agency of Tourism also joined the meeting. Welcoming the Sri Lankan delegation, Ms. Elena mentioned Sri Lanka is one of the favourite tourist destinations for Russian tourists and in his opening remarks, Hon. Minister of Tourism of Sri Lanka mentioned Sri Lanka is eagerly awaiting to welcome Russian visitors. The Sri Lanka Embassy in Russian Federation facilitated this meeting.

The meeting provided an excellent opportunity for both parties to discuss the current situation in the tourism sector and current health protocols and other guidelines in both countries. Both sides shared experiences in maintaining and developing the tourism business under the Covid-19 pandemic situation and experiences in anti-crisis measures and new developments. Hon. Minister of Tourism mentioned that SriLankan Airlines, the National Carrier of Sri Lanka, has resumed direct flights to Moscow on 31st July 2021 after an almost 6-year interruption in air connection. Sri Lankan tourism authorities are planning to arrange a series of tourism events in September 2021 in Moscow and CIS region and the Federal Agency of Tourism of the Russian Federation mentioned its readiness to give its fullest support for Sri Lankan authorities.
Hon. Minister of Tourism of Sri Lanka discussed ways of promoting Sri Lanka as a popular tourist destination for Russian tourists including development of bilateral tourism communications between the two countries, arranging tourism forums, participating in tourism exhibitions in Russia, arranging press-tours for Russian media to Sri Lanka, with the Russian side during the meeting.
Mr. Madhawa Dewasurendra, Secretary of the State Ministry of aviation and export zones development of Sri Lanka, Mr. Rajeewasiri Sooriyaarachchige, vice chairman airport aviation, Mr. Nimesh Herath, tourism advisory board member & advisor to the minister joined the delegation from the Sri Lankan side. Mr. N.M.M. Anas, Chargé d'affaires, Ms. Thavishya Mullegamgoda, First Secretary (Commercial) and Ms. Anna Makarovskaya, translator of the Sri Lanka mission in Russia also joined the discussion.