“Russia has been an important partner and a true friend of Sri Lanka with its contribution to the nation’s socio-economic development over the past several decades.”
Sri Lanka and Russia have always enjoyed strong bilateral ties with each other. Diplomats have called it an environment of friendship, mutual understanding and amiability. This is why the Inauguration of the Russian Geographical Society in Sri Lanka can be called a significant milestone in our relationship. The establishment of the Russian Geographical Society in Sri Lanka was held last month at the Russian House in Colombo under the theme “Under One Sun: Russia – Sri Lanka People’s Diplomacy and Culture.”The Russian Geographical Society, established by supreme order of Nicholas I of Russia in 1845, is one of the oldest geographical societies in the world. The event which was attended by many dignitaries, is of great importance, as we live in a world where friendships between nations is crucial in order for our shared vision of a world at peace to become a reality.
First Secretary of the Russian Embassy and Director of the Russian House in Colombo, Maria. L. Popova, calling the year 2024 an eventful year, said that the Russian House is proud to be involved in such a historic event. “It is a historic milestone in the relationship between Russia and Sri Lanka. They are two wonderful friendly countries. Geography can unite people from all over the world just like culture, traditions and music. Both our countries are very rich in terms of geography. Our country the Russian Federation is rich in so many aspects, but one of the best and richest aspects we have is that we can make friends,” she said.
She said that the event can help build a new bridge, a strong and powerful bridge between our countries, and bring together people who are interested in geography. “I know that intelligent people live in Sri Lanka who are interested in this event, and this event will be the beginning of something good and new. It is certainly a memorable event for me.”
Russian Ambassador for Sri Lanka and Maldives, Levan Dzhagaryan’s, address was brief, as hepointed out that the event certainly contributed to the continued growth of the strong bilateral relationship between Russia and Sri Lanka. He expressed his great pleasure at seeing such enthusiasm that was evident from the large number of attendees. “It is certainly an honor for me to be here at the Russian House in the presence of such honorable guests, because the relations between Russia and Sri Lanka are very friendly.”
Secretary General of the Russian Association for International Cooperation and Deputy Chairman of the Board of Friendship Society with Sri Lanka, Vladimir Polozkov, pointed out that the Russian Association for International Cooperation started in 1925, and that it has more than 100 friendship societies with different countries. “The Russian Association for International Cooperation itself and the friendship societies helps maintain the relationships with more than 100 countries.”
Polozkov said that the Sri Lanka Russia friendship society is thriving. “With today’s event, Under One Sun: Russia – Sri Lanka People’s Diplomacy and Culture, we are already marking the 100th anniversary of RAIC. It is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the RAIC. This is a wonderful opportunity for all of us in the lovely island of Sri Lanka. I extend my gratitude to all my friends in Sri Lanka who have made this event possible. Prosperity to all of you, and have a lovely evening today!.”
Former Sri Lankan Ambassador in the Russia Federation, General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Russia Friendship Society and Chairman of the Russian Geographical Society in Sri Lanka, Dr. SamanWeerasinghe, called the inauguration of the Russian Geographical Society in Sri Lanka, a significant occasion for us. This organization has been functioning under the guidance of the President and government of the Russian Federation. “I hope this initiative will serve as an additional source of encouragement for both nations to realize our goals/mutual collaboration in various sectors such as culture. Mr. Polozkov has been playing a vital role in his capacity as the Secretary General of the Russian Association for International Cooperation and Deputy Chairman of the Board of Friendship Society with Sri Lanka. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Mr. Polozkov for his cooperation and tremendous effort to establish this new structure in Sri Lanka. Russia has been an important partner and a true friend of Sri Lanka with its contribution to the nation’s socio-economic development over the past several decades. We are all aware of the current global landscape. Diplomacy has a significant contribution to the development of strong relationships between nations. We take great pride in our close relations with Russia since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which are of great importance. Both countries have similar approaches in resolving the majority of international and regional challenges. Moscow and Colombo maintains close political dialogue at the highest level. Relations between Russia and Sri Lanka have always been based on mutual respect and recognition of one another’s interests. I hope the new society will help achieve our common goals in the future and bring our bilateral relations to a new level,” explained, Dr. Weerasinghe.
President of the Sri Lanka Russia Friendship Society, Former Minister of Education in Sri Lanka, Honorable President of the Russian Geographical Society in Sri Lanka, Dr. SusilPremajayantha, pointed out that he has served as the President of the Sri Lanka Russia Friendship Society for over 20 years. “I have been to the Russian Federation on several occasions in different capacities- as the President of the Friendship Society, as the Minister of Education and Minister of Science and Technology. The friendship between Sri Lanka and Russia is centuries old. Many renowned writers visited Sri Lanka in the 18th century. We have been supported by Russia in international forums as a friendly country. The Russian Association for International Cooperation celebrates 100 years. Today we launched the Russian Geographical Society, and we have become a member of that association. This is a society with great influence. It will strengthen the friendship between other nations and Russia even more. I must confess that when I visited Russia in 2016, I had the opportunity to meet his excellency Vladimir Putin at that time.There, I met men of power, ministers in the Russian Federation. For the last many years we have strengthened the friendship between the two nations tremendously. I am sure with the establishment of this new society, we can further enhance the friendship between our two countries in different fields such as education, culture, agriculture and other fields,” explained Dr. Premajayantha.
