Minister of Tourism and Christian Affairs John Amaratunga was the Chief Guest on the occasion, while Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation Ilya Shestakov represented the Russian Government. Amongst other dignitaries that graced the occasion was the first woman cosmonaut of the world and Deputy Chairman of the Committee on International Relations of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, Valentina Tereshkova.  

 

A Sri Lankan Dancing Troupe led by Mrs. Rajini Selvanayagam performed at the cultural event showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich culture. Participants at the event highly appreciated the opportunity to see a glimpse of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and what Sri Lanka has to offer to its visitors particularly in the backdrop of Russian tourists seeking new destinations due to the prevailing situation in certain destinations which used to be very popular among them.  A short film in Russian language, specially produced by the Embassy for the occasion, was also screened. Moreover, a photo exhibition depicting Sri Lanka’s culture, heritage sites, pristine beaches, hotels, scenic beauty, people and cuisine etc. was held parallel to the cultural event while the guests also had the opportunity to taste Ceylon tea.  

 

Welcoming the guests, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation Dr Saman Weerasinghe said that though official diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Russia began on 19 February 1957, the history of Russia - Sri Lanka relations went back to much earlier. A Russian Consulate was established in Galle in 1891 and the first Russians appeared in Ceylon in mid-19th century. He added that at present Sri Lanka has entered an era of consensual politics with a new Government whose main task is to achieve rapid economic development and reconciliation. He pointed out that having been a destination for backpackers, religious pilgrims and beach lovers for decades, Sri Lanka is now building high-end hotels and tourism infrastructure to attract tourists from all over the world. As an island with an abundant options for tourists, Sri Lanka has unparalleled diversity within a small land area of 65,610 square kilometers, giving the opportunity to a visitor spending ten days on average in the country to fully enjoy it, compared to its peers. 

 

Minister Amaratunga addressing the guests explained the positive developments in Sri Lanka after the election of a new administration following the Presidential and General Elections. He said Sri Lanka was becoming very popular amongst European tourists as well as from nations in Asia for reasons including political stability, absence of health hazards, safety of visitors, cost factor etc and invited Russian tourists also to spend their holidays in Sri Lanka. The Island has much to offer to its guests such as best beaches in Asia, rich wildlife, whale and dolphin watching, tea industry, cultural heritage, the environment and the hospitality of its friendly people, to name a few. Deputy Minister Ilya Shestakov said that February was a historical month for the bilateral relations between Russia and Sri Lanka due to marking the National Day of Sri Lanka and the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations, as well as for holding the first session of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation in February this year, which he had had the honour to co-chair, representing the Russian Government. 

 

The event was highly admired by the participants who described it as one of the most successfully and attractively organized event by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in recent history.