Russian President assures continued support to Sri Lanka

(By: Lucien Rajakarunanayake)

Russia will continue to assist Sri Lanka for the restoration of peace and reconstruction of the country, said the President of the Russian Federation Dmitriy Medvedev, in a telephone conversation with President Mahinda Rajapaksa, today.

In discussing the current situation in Sri Lanka after the defeat of the LTTE's terrorism, President Rajapaksa thanked the Russian President for the considerable assistance given to Sri Lanka in the fight to eradicate terrorism from the country.

President Rajapaksa expressed his gratitude to President Medvedev for the support that Russia had extended to Sri Lanka in the UN Security Council, where attempts were made to obstruct the humanitarian operation to free the Tamil civilian hostages from the LTTE, and also for the support given to Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council.

President Medvedev said that Russia considered Sri Lanka as an old friend and ally, and looked forward to continuing the warm relations between the two countries. He assured that Russia will give all assistance to Sri Lanka for the restoration of peace, reconstruction, and for necessary and expeditious relief to the large number of internally displaced persons.

President Rajapaksa also conveyed his thanks to the Russian Prime Minister Vladmir Putin, who too had been very helpful to Sri Lanka in the battle against terrorism, during his term as President.

He invited President Medvedev to visit Sri Lanka at his earliest convenience, which will help further strengthen the friendship between the two countries.

In the telephone conversation that was initiated by the Russian President, it was agreed that the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will visit Sri Lanka in October this year.