PRESENTATION OF THE RUSSIAN HOUSE ALBUM

Celebrating the 65th anniversary of Diplomatic relationship between Sri Lanka and Russia, Russian House in Colombo presented the Russian House Album comprising both rare historical and modern photos of its activity and bilateral cultural ties, to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. G.L Peiris at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Album was solemnly handed over by the Deputy Head of Mission of the Russian Federation in Sri Lanka, Senior Counsellor Mr. Alexey Budanov accompanied by the First Secretary of the Embassy of the of the Russian Federation and Director of the Russian House in Colombo, Mrs. Anastasia Khokhlova and the Chief Executive Officer of the Russian House in Colombo, Mr. Buddhapriya Ramanayake.

Hon. G.L Peiris expressed satisfaction of the album and highly appreciated it, recalling his visits to the Russian House in Colombo for various cultural events over the years. He further mentioned that he is aware of the contribution rendered by the Russian House for over 35 years in promoting cooperation in the spheres of culture and education, strengthening friendship and understanding between the two peoples, sharing rich Russian culture, ballet, music and literature.

Hon. Minister G.L Peiris thanked Mr. Alexey Budanov and the Russian government for the support in continuing the strong diplomatic ties between Russia and Sri Lanka and for the opportunity given to Sri Lankan students to get Russian scholarships to pursue their higher studies.

He also expressed his appreciation of activities of the Association of Sri Lankan Graduates from Socialist Countries and the Sri Lanka – Russia Friendship

Society which play vital roles in supporting and further promoting ties between the communities of the two states. The Minister shared his historical knowledge on the two world renowned Russian personalities, Yuri Gagarin and Nicholas II who visited Sri Lanka which marked a historical social call.

The Minister also mentioned his recent meeting with the Russian Foreign Minister, Mr. Sergey Lavrov and praised him for his outgoing personality and his ability to speak Sinhala fluently. Hon. G.L Peiris commended the achievements of the bilateral relations in cultural and educational spheres that the two countries have reached over the years and wished the best of luck for the future endeavours in the international arena.