Ties strengthened:

Russian expertise for oil, gas exploration

Sri Lanka will be receiving several economic benefits following the recently concluded State visit of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to Russia. The long-term-friendship that existed between the two countries has been further strengthened following this visit. Meanwhile, the Russian government has pledged its support to Sri Lanka for areas such as investment promotion and commerce, cultural affairs and mass media.

The focal point of the President’s visit was the consent given by the Russian government for a US$ 300 million loan for accelerated development projects in the country following the defeat of terrorism. Meanwhile, Gazprom, the world’s biggest gas company, has agreed to conduct oil and gas exploration surveys in Sri Lanka shortly.

Another notable feature was the signing of an agreement between the two countries to exchange the latest innovations on information technology. A high point was the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate on President Rajapaksa by the People’s Friendship University of Russia for his contribution towards world peace and fostering educational and cultural activities between the two countries and eradicating terrorism in Sri Lanka. He is the sixth world leader to be conferred this prestigious title, which is an honour for all Sri Lankans.

Meanwhile a gold and gem-embedded replica of a crown of the Russian Royalty was presented to President Rajapaksa by the People’s Friendship University. This is the first occasion where the two leaders met, creating a new chapter in the bilateral relations of both countries. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, while congratulating President Rajapaksa on his recent election victory, assured him of Russia’s support for the future development of Sri Lanka. President Rajapaksa responded that ties with Russia should be developed further at a time when peace and development were taking place in Sri Lanka following the defeat of terrorism.

President Rajapaksa and his delegation visited several historic sites including the Lenin mausoleum at the Red Square where he paid homage to the Communist leader. The State visit to Russia was the first official visit undertaken by the President after he was elected for a second term in office. First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa accompanied the President. The other members of the delegation were Ministers Rohitha Bogollagama, Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, Susil Premajayantha, G.L. Peiris and Mahindananda Aluthgamage and NFF leader Wimal Weerawansa, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Foreign Secretary Romesh Jayasinghe and President’s Foreign Relations Secretary Sajin Vaas Gunewardena.

Sri Lanka (Ceylon then) established diplomatic ties with the then USSR (Russia) in 1957. The Oruwala metallurgical plant and Kelaniya Tyre factory were built by the USSR. Another progressive step was the formation of the Sri Lanka-Russia Friendship Society in 1959. Former Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike visited the USSR in 1963 and 1974. Russia is a leading importer of Lankan teas.