Russian delegates pledge support for Lanka

A senior delegation of Russia's parliament, Duma, led by its Deputy Chairman and Vice-Speaker Sergey Zheleznjak met External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris and held discussions on a range of topics last week.

The progress made in Sri Lanka in all sectors since the achievement of peace and stability and the courses of action currently being implemented were some of the main areas that were discussed.

Prof. Peiris referred to his discussions in New York with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in November 2013, and at the Foreign Ministry in Moscow before that.

The delegation also met Deputy Speaker of Parliament Chandima Weerakkody and assured their government's full support to Sri Lanka in its efforts to face the challenges which may be posed by the international community. The Russian delegation arrived in the island last Monday on a three-day official visit. They participated in Sri Lanka's 66th Independence celebrations in Kegalle as well.