Delivering the message to mark Russia Day in Colombo last week the Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Levan Dzhagaryan called on travellers to select Sri Lanka and the Asia to visit but not Europe.
“Sri Lanka and Russia have been longstanding friends bound by trade and cultural ties which have been strengthened over the years. The presence of all our Sri Lankan friends to mark the Russia Day is a proof of the closeness of the two nations. Russians love Sri Lanka for its tea and to visit,” the Ambassador said.
Russia Day called Day of adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of RSFSR before 2002 has been celebrated annually on June 12 since 1992. Sri Lanka and Russian marked 68 years of diplomatic relations this year having maintained strong and amicable diplomatic ties since 1957.
The bonds between the two friends have been characterised by mutual understanding and cooperation. The relationship has seen steady development across various sectors, including trade, economy, culture, and defense.
“Tourism has been an area both Russia and Sri Lanka love and I’m sure the number of Russian visitors to Sri Lanka will grow,” the Ambassador said.
He said Russia has been a close friend of Sri Lanka providing humanitarian aid and there has been a growing interest among Sri Lankans to study the Russian language which will further strengthen the bond between the two countries.
“Russia is going through one of the toughest times in its history due to European sanctions. However, the Russian economy is strong, confident and occupies the first place in industrial production in Europe,” the Ambassador said, adding that Russia is too strong to be defeated as a nuclear nation by those who are carrying out a proxy war against it.
He said it’s not a Russia-Ukraine war but a proxy war by certain European countries against Russia. Russia’s relations with the Global South have been strong and it continues to strengthen ties with its Asian friends.
“In the past I was critical of US foreign policies but now with the Republican administration under President Donald Trump there is scope for negotiations and peace,” the Ambassador said.
Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara who was the the chief guest said Sri Lanka is ever grateful to Russia for its unstinted support in times of need and added that the incumbent government will further boost ties between the two countries.
Trade between Sri Lanka and Russia has seen a growth with exports to Russia increasing by 23% in 2024 compared to the previous year and similarly imports from Russia rising by 30% last year against the previous 2023.
