The Russia-Asia Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs held its annual year-end gathering on 9th December, recognizing partners who have contributed meaningfully to the organization's development initiatives. The event brought together business leaders, diplomatic representatives, and strategic collaborators committed to deepening economic ties across the region.

Sri Lanka received special distinction as the event's "Discovery of the Year," a recognition reflecting the country's growing potential for mutually beneficial cooperation within the Union's broader development agenda. The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation, Shobini Gunasekera attended the ceremony and conveyed appreciation for the acknowledgment, noting that the designation underscores the island's readiness to expand its engagement with Russian and Eurasian partners.

During the session, the First Secretary/Trade Sanjeewa Bandara, of the Embassy highlighted several areas well-positioned for enhanced collaboration, including trade facilitation, investment in value-added industries, technology exchange, and tourism development. He emphasized, Sri Lanka as a source of skilled and semi-skilled workers for manufacturing, apparel, construction and light engineering industries of Russia and it is expected to get an enhanced employment quota for 2026. Further, Sri Lanka Expo 2026 is ready to welcome a buyer delegation from the Russia-Asia Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs with targeting for diversifying the current export basket to Russia.

The Ambassador invited the Union and its affiliated enterprises to explore joint initiatives that build on complementary strengths, emphasizing that sustainable partnerships arise when both sides align goals and synergies from the outset.
On the margins of the event, the Ambassador also provided an interview to the Russian News Agency "RIA News". In the discussion, she encouraged visitors to continue to visit Sri Lanka in the aftermath of "Cyclone Ditwah". She emphasized that country's main tourism zones continue to operate safely and that increased long-term engagement from travelers and investors alike contributes directly to national resilience.

The Ambassador also noted that flights from Russia have not been cancelled, and that planes are still operating at full capacity. She expressed gratitude to Russian tourists for their interest and patronization of Sri Lanka at this critical juncture.

The Russia–Asia Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs and the Sri Lankan Embassy affirmed their shared commitment to advancing practical forms of cooperation in the year ahead, guided by clear opportunities for growth and joint value creation.