The Russian Prime Minister made these remarks when he met the President Maithripala Sirisena in Russia, yesterday (24th March).

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has given warmly welcome to the President when he arrived for the bilateral meeting.

Sri Lanka and Russia, which are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year, and further discussed the strengthening of longstanding relationship between the two countries. Discussion was extended to expanding the relations in the field of economics, trade and culture.

President Sirisena mentioned that the official invitation extended to a Sri Lankan head of government is a dignity offered for entire Sri Lankans. “The people of Sri Lanka will benefit the results of the successful discussions I had with President Putin with the objective of gaining economic and trade assistance required by Sri Lanka”, he said.

The President further stated that Sri Lanka, in its way forward for the development, expects assistance of all friendly countries. “I am confident that Russia which became a close friend of Sri Lanka after 43 years will provide the required assistance.

Ministers Mangala Samaraweera, S. B. Nawinna, Mahinda Samarasinghe, Susil Premajayantha, John Amaratunga and Dayasiri Jayasekara were also present at this discussion.