This was discussed when Russian ambassador Alexander A Karchava called on President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat this afternoon (May 07). The Ambassador conveyed President Putin’s best wishes to Sri Lankan President and congratulated him on his successful implementation of several important programmes under the 100-day program of the new government.

President Sirisena emphasized that whatever the way international trend develops, Sri Lanka and Russia should maintain their strong friendship and close bilateral ties.

Sri Lanka and Russia are expected to sign agreements on expansion of trade and commerce and a MoU on setting up of a Joint Government Commission on International Trade and Commerce later this year.

Russian Ambassador said his country offered three additional scholarships to Sri Lankan researchers to study Nuclear Physics in Russia. Three agreements on cooperation in the field of law will also be signed later this year.

President Sirisena thanked Russia for the support given to Sri Lanka at the international forums and the Russian Envoy assured that his country would always stand by Sri Lanka.

Ambassador Karchava said Sri Lanka could utilize the remaining US$ 100 million from the credit line extended earlier to purchase equipment for Sri Lanka Air Force.