Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka, Prof Ruwan Ranasinghe successfully concluded a productive visit to the "Let's Travel!" International Tourism Forum organized by the Roscongress held in Moscow from 10 - 15 June 2025. The visit marked a significant step in strengthening Sri Lanka's tourism ties with Russia and expanding cross-border tourism opportunities.

During the event, the Deputy Minister participated in high-level panel discussions focused on removing regulatory barriers and improving cross-border tourism. These sessions brought together international tourism leaders to address challenges and propose solutions to facilitate smoother, more accessible global travel.
Further enhancing bilateral relations, Prof Ranasinghe met with Reshetnikov Maxim, Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation during the Forum and held bilateral meetings with senior officials of Russia's Ministry of Economic Development, headed by the Director of the Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects of the Ministry, Kondratyev Nikita, Deputy Minister Moscow Government (Foreign Economic and International Relations) Vyacheslav Manuylov, President of the Russian Union of Travel Industry, Umanskiy Ilya, President of the Association of Tour operators of Russia, Maya Lomidze, and the President of the CCI Russia, Katyrin Sergey. Discussions centered on advancing tourism cooperation, increasing mutual visitor flows, and exploring joint initiatives in cultural promotion and investment.
Throughout the fair, the Minister actively promoted Sri Lanka as a premier travel destination with interviews given to Russia Today (RT), Komsomolskaya Pravda, and Ria News, the prominent media of the Russian Federation. The delegation engaged in constructive meetings with leading Russian tour operators, Russian national carrier Aeroflot key players in the hospitality sector, such as Anex Tour, Fun & Sun and the President of the International Center of Wine and Gastronomy, Leonid Gelibterman, focusing on creating tailored travel experiences and promoting Sri Lanka's unique cultural, culinary, and natural attractions.
"The Russian market holds significant and diverse potential for Sri Lanka's tourism sector," said Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe. "Our meetings in Moscow paved the way for stronger partnerships and created valuable opportunities to position Sri Lanka more prominently among Russian travelers as a year-round destination based on authentic experiences"
The visit to the "Let's Travel!" International Tourism Fair formed a key part of Sri Lanka's broader strategy to strengthen international tourism networks, attract new visitor segments, and encourage sustained growth in the sector.

Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation

Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation

Panel discussion "From Statements to Partnership: Towards Reducing Regulatory Barriers with Friendly Countries"

Dinner in the Residence of Sri Lanka, gathering 1st Deputy Director General of PAO Aeroflot, Mr. Andrey Chikhanchin and the Director of the Department of the External relations of PAO Aeroflot, Ms. Natalya Teimurazova, Deputy Minister of the Moscow Government, Mr. Vyacheslav Manuilov, President of the Russian Travel Industry Union, ⁠Mr. Ilya Umanskiy, Advisor to Minister of the Moscow Government, Ms. Elmira Shcherbakova, Deputy Secretary Russian Association for International Cooperation, Russia – Sri Lanka Friendship Society, Ms. Marina Korostelyova, Chairman of gastronomic tourism committee of Russian Travel Industry Union, Mr. Leonod Gelibterman

Meeting with the Director of the Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects of the Ministry of Economic Development

President of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia

Interview for Komsomolskaya Pravda, Soviet and Russian daily socio-political newspaper