In the wake of Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena’s visit to Russia, Foreign Affairs Minister Mangala Samaraweera said Sri Lanka had opened a new chapter in its bilateral relations with Russia.

 Speaking on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Sri Lanka –Russia relations, Samaraweera, spoke of Sri Lanka’s abiding and longstanding friendship with Russia, a relationship that dates back to the 1840s ‘enriched through the exchange of renowned visitors, knowledge and ideas.’

The remarks in full are given below:

“I am honoured to speak on this important occasion to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Russian Federation this year.

On behalf of His Excellency President Maithripala Sirisena, the Government and people of Sri Lanka, I convey our warm felicitations to the Government and people of the Russian Federation as we celebrate this milestone in our bilateral ties.  

This occasion is very special and historic. It coincides with the official visit to Moscow by His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena. The visit by a Sri Lankan leader is taking place after 40 years since 1974. The last visit to your great country was by the late Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike, who was the world’s first female Prime Minister and Chairperson of the political party that President Sirisena represents today. 

Sri Lanka and Russia enjoy an abiding and longstanding friendship. It is a relationship that dates back to the 1840s and one enriched through the exchange of renowned visitors, knowledge and ideas.

Russian scholars and travelers have marveled at our ancient heritage. Well-known Russian traveller and artist Count Saltykov visited then Ceylon twice - in 1841 and 1845, and published his observations of the island in Russia and France. Ivan Bunin, yet another famous travel writer and Anton Chekov, the master story teller visited then Ceylon in the 1890s. In 1891,  Russian Crown Prince, who was to be Emperor Nicolas II, visited the island  and planted a tree at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy.

We, in Sri Lanka, are also proud of the Russian literary giants, philosophers, political thinkers, scholars, artists, explorers and musicians, who have richly contributed to global culture and education.

Sri Lanka’s own literary and political traditions have been enriched by Russian literature and political movements.  We continue to celebrate Chekov’s plays, and commemorate his visit to our country in 1890 to this day.  In fact, today President Sirisena presented to President Putin a copy of the first day cover and commemorative stamp that was issued in November 2015 to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Chekov’s visit to the island.

Sri Lanka also continues to commemorate the October Russian Revolution. Last week President Sirisena spoke at a special event to mark the centenary of the Russian Revolution.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

We recall with great appreciation the development assistance that contributed in no small measure to support Sri Lanka’s economic and social development. The former Soviet Union remained a principal bilateral development partner in the 1960s and the 1970s. The technical assistance provided built the foundation of Sri Lanka’s manufacturing sector. Early public housing (Narahenpita) and irrigation projects (parts of Mahaweli and Udawalawe) were also funded by the former Soviet Union.

Russia’s most generous gift to Sri Lanka has been the educational opportunities provided for thousands of Sri Lankan students for nearly three decades since the 1960s.  In the early days, Sri Lankan students were awarded annual scholarships to pursue medicine, engineering and other technical fields at the Peoples Friendship University. Many of the beneficiaries of these scholarships contributed to Sri Lanka’s overall development.

To this day, Sri Lankan students continue to pursue university education in Russia.  Some of them, are in fact, present here with us today. Russian educated professionals are a valuable resource for our country. They also serve as goodwill ambassadors between our two countries. I am happy to note that His Excellency Dr. Saman Weerasinghe, our current Ambassador to the Russian Federation, is a graduate of the Moscow Medical Academy.

Social, educational and cultural interaction continues to this day through the programmes and activities of the Russian Cultural Center in Colombo, the Sri Lankan Friendship Society in Moscow and the Sri Lankan -Russian Friendship Society in Colombo. The Twining Cities programme between Saint Petersburg and Colombo, and between Vennappuva, Nuwara Eliya, Negombo and their Russian sister towns are also making valuable contributions to nurturing our ties of friendship.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Sri Lanka is today at an exciting time of transformation and transition. It is on a new path towards good governance, reconciliation and development. Following the end of a bitter fight against terrorism, my country is today seeking to reconcile and prosper. It has become important to translate the peace dividends into tangible economic and social progress for our people.  The support expressed by the Russian Government for Sri Lanka’s new journey of development and prosperity is a source of great encouragement.

In this regard, Their Excellencies President Putin and President Sirisena at today’s meeting reaffirmed their shared commitment to further consolidate and build on the excellent foundations of our bilateral relations.  The discussions focused on continuing the political dialogue, and advancing bilateral economic, technical and cultural cooperation. Sri Lanka and Russia will also cooperate to address the shared challenges of the 21st century, and pursue common interests through regional and international platforms. 

 Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

The formal ties of friendship and cooperation between Sri Lanka and the Russian Federation have flourished and grown in the last 60 years. Both our countries are heirs to a rich historic heritage and are multicultural. In more recent years, we have also fought against terrorism in our respective countries. Therefore, a strong sense of understanding and mutual respect binds the Sri Lanka –Russia partnership.  

I am happy to conclude by noting that the deep sense of solidarity and the enduring friendship between Russia and Sri Lanka are as strong and deep rooted as the majestic tree that stands to this day in the Royal Botanical Gardens of Sri Lanka, which was planted as a sapling by the Russian Crown Prince in 1891.

On this special occasion and with the visit of President Sirisena to your country, we have opened a new chapter in our bilateral relations. Let us continue our efforts to further enrich and preserve our excellent bilateral relationship.