Recalling the historic Sri Lanka-Russia friendship, the Prime Minister congratulated Prof. Janitha Liyanage on her commitment to further develop bilateral relations between the two countries. Prior to this appointment, Senior Professor Janitha A. Liyanage served as the founding Vice Chancellor of the Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine.

Prof. Liyanage, a distinguished alumnus of Southlands College, Galle, also served as the Vice Chairman of the University Grants Commission.

Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. Gamini Senarath and Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister Mr. Yoshitha Rajapaksa were also present at the occasion.