Message from the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs
The relations between Sri Lanka and
Russia are longstanding and friendly, and founded on our shared values, mutual respect and cooperation. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1957, our relations enhanced into an all-encompassing mutually beneficial partnership.
This year we celebrate 65 years of establishment of Sri Lanka – Russia diplomatic relations.
High-level political engagements is one of the core pillars of our relationship and dates back to 19th century when the future Russian Emperor Nikolai II had paid a visit to then Ceylon. In 2012,
I had the privilege of undertaking a visit to Russia as the Minister of External
Affairs of Sri Lanka. From Russia, in
January 2020, Hon. Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs undertook a visit to Sri Lanka, and it was the second visit by him to Sri Lanka since his first in 2009. These robust engagements throughout the history is a testimony to the importance attached by both countries to our friendly relations.
Russia remains an important trading partner for Sri Lanka. I am happy to note that, despite the pandemic, trade between the two countries have remain steady. Ceylon tea continues to be the top export to the Russian Federation and apparel, plastic & rubber, fruits, machinery and spices have been identified as other potential exports to Russia. I am certain that it is high time for both countries to work towards better utilization of Russian Generalized Scheme of Preference (GSP) to further promote bilateral trade.
Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) from Russia remains important and Sri Lanka welcomes investments especially in the areas of hospitality, renewable energy and in the Colombo Port City, at this critical juncture.
Employment opportunities for the skilled migrants available in the apparel industry of Russia will also be a new avenue for cooperation between the two countries.
Russian Federation is among the top source of tourist traffic to Sri Lanka prior to pandemic. It is commendable that Russian tourists were, one of the initial tourists to visit Sri Lanka in the new–normal following the pandemic lockdowns in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is appreciative of the trust and confidence placed on the country by the Russian tourists.
Another strong dimension in Russia – Sri Lanka relations is the peopleto-people contacts, which has nurtured our friendship and solidarity despite the vast geographical differences between our two countries.
We appreciate with gratitude the yeoman service provided by the Russian Cultural Centre and the Sri Lankan-Russian Friendship Society in Sri Lanka towards the strengthening of cultural ties and people-to-people contacts between the two countries.
Russia has been a favorite and one of the most sought after educational destinations for Sri Lankan students over the years. Our educational cooperation dates back to many decades and then Ceylon was privileged to be a beneficiary of Russian education assistance even before Sri Lanka became a Republic.
In multilateral fora, Russia has been a trusted partner for Sri Lanka. We remember with deep appreciation how Russia extended its helping hand for Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council and other fora.
It is my fervent wish that the friendly relations existing between our two countries will be further strengthened in the years ahead, for the mutual benefit of our countries and peoples.