SLRBC fetes Lanka's envoy to Russia

The Sri Lanka-Russia Business Council (SLRBC)of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce felicitated the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Russia, Udayanga Weeratunga at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently.

The Charge d' affaires of the Embassy of Russia in Sri Lanka Evgeny Sergienko, members of the Council, the Chamber, members of the business community and high ranking government and Russian Embassy officials were also present.

The President of the Sri Lanka Russia Business Council, Hiran Karunaratne said, "Ambassador Weeratunga's knowledge of the Russian language and previous experience in doing business with Ukraine and Russia, has been a great advantage.

Twenty five important agreements have been signed. Russia has continuously supported Sri Lanka at international fora."

During 2013 value added exports of Ceylon Tea had risen by 15% to Russia and by 21% to Ukraine. The number of tourists from Russia and the CIS has increased almost ten times compared to 2005.

In the first five months of 2014 there were 58,346 tourist arrivals from Russia and the CIS, second only to that from India. In the peak months of January and February 2014, Russia and the CIS topped the list of countries of origin for tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka.

The Ambassador said that the Mega Tourism Caravan project had contributed greatly to these figures.

He said a dedicated member of the Embassy staff, Noel Ranaweera had lost his life during the latest event of this project in the city of Rostov on Don in Russia.

Following a request by Ambassador Weeratunga, one minute's silence was observed in honour of Noel Ranaweera by those present at the event.

The Ambassador called upon members of the business community to fully use the services of the Embassy and further develop business with Russia and the CIS and thereby bring multiple benefits to the economy and the people of our country.

Past Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and Past President of the Sri Lanka Russia Business Council, Deva Rodrigo presented a memento to Weeratunga on behalf of the Council, in appreciation of the invaluable contribution made in promoting tea, tourism, other trade and fostering closer economic, political and cultural ties between Sri Lanka and Russia.

Vice President of the Council, Priyantha Hapuarachchi also spoke.