Sri Lanka Ambassador to Russia presents credentials
MOSOCOW – Prof. M.D. Lamawansa, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation, presented his letters of credence to President Vladimir Putin on November 24. Keeping with traditions, the ceremony took place in the Alexander Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace and brought together 20 newly appointed ambassadors from several countries.
This year, in light of the coronavirus pandemic, the protocol ceremony was slightly changed. The ambassadors were not facilitated to personally hand over their credentials to ensure health safety of all the participants.
Addressing the new ambassadors, President Putin outlined Russia’s position with regard to key foreign policy developments, assessed the main trends in the international arena and emphasized that the pandemic has aggravated problems in the global economy, trade, the social sphere and environmental protection in addition to the previous challenges and threats like international terrorism, drug trafficking and organized crime.
Putin also gave an overview of the status of Russia’s bilateral relations with the countries represented by the new ambassadors. He said Russia has good relations with Sri Lanka and is determined to further expand mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian fields. “Our countries interact constructively in the international arena, in particular, as part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, where Sri Lanka has the status of a dialogue partner,” he added.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Foreign Policy Advisor to the Russian President Yury Ushakov were also present at the ceremony.
Following the official ceremony at Kremlin, Ambassador Prof. M.D. Lamawansa and Madame Thamaramala Kannangara accepted the congratulations from the embassy staff who were welcomed at his Residence with Sri Lankan cuisine.
-Embassy of Sri Lanka, Moscow