On June 11, the Russian Embassy in Sri Lanka and the Maldives hosted a reception to mark Russia’s National Day, celebrated annually on June 12. The event brought together a distinguished gathering of officials, diplomats, political figures, entrepreneurs, and journalists.
Among the notable attendees were Sri Lanka’s Minister of Justice and National Integration, Harshana Nanayakkara, who served as the chief guest, and Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, Bimal Rathnayake. The reception reflected strong diplomatic ties and mutual respect between Russia and the host countries.
In his congratulatory message, Russian Ambassador Levan Dzhagaryan highlighted the significance of June 12 as a symbol of Russia’s forward-looking development, economic progress, social security improvements, and international standing. He also commemorated the 80th anniversary of Russia’s victory over Nazism in the Great Patriotic War (1941–1945), an important milestone this year.
Ambassador Dzhagaryan praised the relationship between Russia and Sri Lanka as a “good example of sincere friendship and mutual understanding.” He emphasized their aligned views on key foreign policy issues and expressed support for Sri Lanka’s aspirations to join BRICS, of which Russia is a founding member. He also acknowledged Sri Lanka’s balanced stance on the Ukraine conflict amid international pressures.
Closing his message, the ambassador warmly wished for enduring friendship between Russia and Sri Lanka, underscoring the strong and growing bonds between the two nations.
