Russian Foreign Minister scores a first:

Landmark visit to fortify bilateral ties

by Lalin FERNANDOPULLE

Sri Lanka reached another historic milestone in her diplomatic relations with the first state visit by a Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation when Sergey Lavrov arrived in the country. His visit will further strengthen bilateral, political and socio-economic ties between the two countries.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov

The visit was officially announced to the Sunday Observer in an exclusive interview with the Russian Ambassador Vladimir P. Mikhaylov at the residence of the International Secretary of the Russian-Sri Lanka Friendship Association, Dr. Saman Weerasinghe in Colombo.

This marked a significant moment for the two countries which had been mutually supportive in times of dire need, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each country.

This visit also comes at a time when Sri Lanka had just crushed terrorism once and for all and now on a firm footing for an accelerated growth to achieve economic prosperity.

Ambassador Mikhaylov said Russia has been highly impressed with the efforts of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the government to restore political and economic stability in the country and also expedite the resettlement process of displaced persons at the earliest.

“Sri Lanka has immense potential and great opportunities to be one of the fast developing countries in the region.The strategic position of the country for trade and investment, its attractiveness, the unique and diverse culture and the hospitality of the people are advantages to enhance economic benefits and prosperity in Sri Lanka”, the Ambassador said. Lavrov will meet his Sri Lankan counterpart, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama to discuss bilateral relations and other wide ranging issues pertaining to the wellbeing of the countries.

The two Ministers will sign an agreement for an inter-governmental cooperation on narcotic trafficking which has posed a serious threat to both countries.

Discussions will be centred on the global, political and economic crisis, regional problems, strengthening trade and economic bonds in the post-recession era, sharing information on technological know-how for industrial development and collaborative ventures for sectoral growth.

Sri Lanka is grateful to Russia for using its veto powers along with China to vote for Sri Lanka in approving the UN Security Council Resolution on Sri Lanka early this year.The support extended to Sri Lanka will never be forgotten.

Vladimir P. Mikhaylov	Dr. Saman Weerasinghe

Ambassador Mikhaylov said Russia had understood the objectives and the struggle Sri Lanka had undergone to eliminate terrorism which had impeded growth for well over three decades. “Our position was a pre support one and to help Sri Lanka defeat terrorism. Russia will always respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka and will extend its fullest support to achieve a long lasting peace and prosperity in the country”, he said.

Diplomatic ties between Sri Lanka and Russia was established on February 19, 1957 but relations between the two countries dates back to a much earlier era.The Russian Consulate was set up in Galle way back in 1891 and the first group of Russians appeared in Ceylon in the mid 19th century.

One of them, Count Saltykov, a well-known traveller and an artist visited the island twice in 1841 and again in 1845-56. He made his observations in a book published in Russia and France, illustrating with his unique pencil paintings.

Prof. Minaev, a renowned Russian expert on Buddhism ‘discovered’ Ceylon for Russian oriental studies. His books are still unique because of their wide ranging historical and ethnographical data on Sri Lanka. In the late 19th century popular Russian writers Anton Chekhov and Ivan Bunin visited Ceylon .

The latter after being impressed by Anuradhapura, compared the ancient capital to the magnificence of Russian Cultural Centre in Colombo, which provides Sri Lankan children with Russian ballet and training in chess, art and music. The Russian Crown Prince while globetrotting also stopped over here incognito. Visitors to the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens can observe a tree planted there in 1891 by the Russian Emperor Nicholas II.

In the same years the Soviet Union helped Sri Lanka in constructing the metallurgical plant in Oruwila, the tyre manufacturing enterprise in Kelaniya and the house construction plants.

Since mid 70s Soviet experts began drilling for oil off the Mannar shores, and at the same time large shipments of refined oil and oil products were also supplied to Sri Lanka.

“During the years of our bilateral relations thousands of Sri Lankan students graduated from various universities in Russia in medicine, engineering, arts and culture”, the Ambassador added.

The peculiar similarity between the countries has been the mutual respect for traditional values, culture and ethnic diversity. Russia is extremely tolerant to other religions and communities.

The Sri Lanka Russia Friendship Society was set up in Moscow in 1959. The visit of the then Sri Lankan Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike to USSR in 1963 and 1974 was an impetus to expand mutual relations and since then the two countries have been maintaining very cordial relations.

The bond between the countries was further consolidated by the visit of Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar to Moscow in 2004. Dr. Saman Weerasinghe said trade relations between Sri Lanka and Russia have been positive to Sri Lanka. Russia imports a large quantity of tea in bulk and value added form from Sri Lanka and exports fertilizer, paper and spare parts to Sri Lanka. Dr. Weerasinghe is also the Vice President, Russia Sri Lanka Friendship Society, Moscow.

Since 2002 Russia has been holding the stable position of being the leading importer of Sri Lankan tea. In 2006 Russia imported 59.2 million kg of tea at a value of US$ 149 million.

Besides tea Russia imports rubber, leather products, spice and garments while Sri Lanka imports steel, ferrous metalware, paper, fertiliser and electrical equipment for metallurgical work. “There is great potential to develop tourism, garments and other industries with the Russian markets. Tourist arrivals from Russia last year was around 17,000 while the industry is expecting an increase this year, with the end of the war”. Dr. Weerasinghe said. Several Russian and Russian Sri Lankan enterprises are registered in Sri Lanka. The Russian company Mayskiy Tea, a joint venture which has its representatives in Sri Lanka and Russian. Sri Lankan business community show a growing interest to widen economic cooperation beyond the traditional spheres.