Ambassador Shobini Gunasekera, met with the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, Olga Lyubimova, for a discussion on expanding and deepening cultural ties between Sri Lanka and Russia.

At the outset, Russia's Minister of Culture appreciated the participation by the Minister of Culture of Sri Lanka at the St. Petersburg Cultural Forum and invited talented Sri Lankan young artists and cultural professionals to take part in creative events and competitions in Russia.

Ambassador Gunasekera spoke of the influence of Russian literary works on Sri Lankan literature and the promotion of spiritual and cultural understanding through Buddhism and the shared values of both societies.

Discussion also underscored the need to identify potential avenues for strengthening cultural cooperation between both nations. A mutual dialogue to celebrate "days of culture" with Sri Lanka was proposed by the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation to foster people to people diplomacy. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to renew the Agreement on Cultural Cooperation signed in 2017 and establish a road map to streamline and coordinate cultural activities undertaken by Sri Lanka and Russia.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to advancing cultural partnerships between Sri Lanka and Russia, emphasizing the role of art, literature, and spiritual heritage as powerful bridges between nations.