Presentation of Order of Honour to Dr. Saman Weerasinghe:

A proud moment in Lanka-Russia ties

When Saman Weerasinghe first stepped on the soil of the then USSR, as a medical student, on a cold winter day nearly two decades ago, he never anticipated that, someday in future, he would be the proud recipient of the highest medal conferred on a foreigner by the Russian government for his role in fostering relations between his motherland and Russia.

Now, almost 20-years since his first visit to Russia, Dr. Saman Werasinghe has become a highly-recognised person not only in Sri Lanka but also in the international arena, due to his enormous contribution to the field of education, humanitarian, philanthropic and religious work and also owing to success in diversified multinational business.

Last month, marking a grand milestone in his illustrious life, Dr. Weerasinghe was awarded "the Order of Honour" from the Russian Federation. Alexander Karchava, the ambassador of the Russian Federation in Sri Lanka, on behalf of his government, presented the award to Dr. Weerasinghe, at the national day celebrations of the Russian Federation.

The Order of Honour is a state order of the Russian Federation established by a Presidential Decree to recognise high achievements in government, economic, scientific, socio-cultural, public, sport and charitable activities. Dr. Weerasinghe is the first Sri Lankan to receive this award.

"This is not a personal triumph for me," says Dr. Weerasinghe in his quiet and unassuming way, while adding that the award "has brought recognition and glory to Sri Lanka."

"This is the highest award a foreigner could receive from the Russian government. It's not easy to receive this award as it is awarded following nearly one year long process and much scrutinising," he explained during an interview in Colombo last week.

According to Dr. Weerasinghe, this award also marks a landmark in the Sri Lanka-Russian relations. Only two highest awards have been offered to Sri Lankans from Russia since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries 56 years ago. One is the Lenin Peace prize presented to Ven. Udakendawala Siri Saranankara thero and other is this award," said Dr. Weerasinghe .

The process of finalising the award involves the Russian Parliament, foreign ministry, the Russian Embassy in Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan government. He expressed his gratitude to Presidential Secretary Dr. Lalith Weeratunga for his role in this regard.

Dr. Weerasinghe said his contribution to promote the bilateral relations and his services to Russia were the reasons behind the award. After a six year academic period at the First Moscow State Medical University, Saman Weerasinghe passed out as a doctor and returned to Sri Lanka in 1990, but within three months he went back, on an invitation by his medical institute to take over its International Division.

"There was a huge risk and it was almost like swimming upstream," says Dr. Weerasinghe adding that at the time, most of his contemporaries from Russia either opted to join the Sri Lanka's government service or sought greener pastures in Western countries.

That was also a very crucial period as it saw the collapse of the USSR. He recalled that "the era was very dangerous with Russia's law and order situation in crisis and economy in doldrums, but I worked on step by step with a clear plan."

Before he assumed duties the institute had only 100 foreign students and "they were also on government funded scholarships". In a few years, with his innovative ideas and programs, he was able to increase the number of foreign students up to 3,000.

"The most important thing, I did was to take the initiative to start the medical courses in English language and this helped to attract students from countries all over the world. Besides, the course fee was very reasonable."

Malaysia which was so impressed with the standard of his institute, sent more than 1,000 students on government-funded scholarships, he said. From Sri Lanka, about 300 students have studied at this institute so far.

Soon his methods were followed by other medical institutions in Russia and they also started teaching in English to attract more foreign students. "So far, I have helped to turn out 5,000 doctors in different countries across the world," he said.

In a way, through his programs, he helped to bring valuable foreign exchange to Russia at a time of crisis, and contributed immensely to building the institute's infrastructure facilities including new buildings, laboratories, auditorium etc.

He said his service was highly recognized and appreciated by the Russian authorities and that helped him to build a fruitful and long-lasting relationship with top Russian officials in the different fields.

Apart from his professional work, he has been an active member of Russia-Sri Lanka Friendship Society in Russia since 1987 and rose to become its vice-president. He also became the General Secretary of the Sri Lanka-Russia Friendship Society in Sri Lanka.

Through these societies, Dr. Weerasinghe said he was able to carry out a large number of projects and programs in the field of education, humanitarian activity, culture and business, "which greatly helped Sri Lankans." While working at the medical institute, he tried his luck in the business field.

"I started in a small way, but by today I have come on a long and successful journey in the business field," said Dr. Weerasinghe who now owns a number of diversified companies which are engaged in export-import, tourism, medical insurance, infrastructure building - in both countries.

Dr. Weerasinghe is a devout Buddhist." It comes from the family, my parents were also very devoted Buddhists who made donations to temples and Buddhist monks and I am following them."

He has helped many temples and Buddhist institutions across the country. Besides, he also donates to children's homes and gives scholarships to needy students.

"My philosophy is very simple. Success does not depend solely on one's company's profit, your contribution to the society also counts. I don't believe in taking home the whole profit gained from business. We have a social responsibility and we should give away for social work."

Apart from helping to publish a quarterly Sinhala Magazine Russia which updates Sri Lankans on Russia, Dr, Weerasinghe says he is heading a project to publish a Sinhala-Russian dictionary which will become a reality soon.

"My intention was to serve my country and I have been able to make a significant contribution to promoting the friendship between the Russia and Sri Lanka. I am happy and proud that the both countries have recognised my service."

In 2011, President Mahinda Rajapaksa appointed him as a Presidential Advisor. Finally, commenting on the secret of his success, Dr. Weerasinghe says "self-discipline, working on a plan and concept, taking risks and being brave in times of adverse situations brought me to this position.