President's visit to Russia

 President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived at St. Petersburg in Russia on Thursday to participate in the International Economic Forum. The President was welcomed by St Petersburg Deputy Governor Sergei Alexsei Ivanovich at the Pulkovo Inter-national Airport.

 President Rajapaksa held bilateral talks with several Heads of State including the Presidents of Rus-sia and China. Senior Minister Dr Sarath Amunugama, External Affairs Minister Professor G L Peiris, Parliamentarian Sachin Vass Gunawardena, Secretary to the President Lalith Weerathunga and Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal accompanied the President.