The International New Year’s Event of People's Diplomacy was organized by the Russian Association for International Cooperation on 11 December 2023. The celebration gathered diplomatic corps, Russian officials and prominent people from educational and cultural spheres. It was remarkable that the ceremony started with the lightning of the traditional Sri Lankan oil lamp.
In his remarks, Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov emphasized the role of the Association in developing partnership and friendly ties with the general foreign public. He underlined that projects implemented under the auspices of Russian Association of International Cooperation contributed to the popularization of rich cultural and historical heritage of Russia.
Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation Prof. Janitha A. Liyanage addressed the audience with the new year greetings. Prof. Liyanage spoke about the long-standing friendly relations with the Association and Russia – Sri Lanka Friendship Society and expressed her readiness to support and further promote the peoples’ diplomacy initiatives and endeavors.
The official part of the programme was followed by a concert and a festival of cuisines of different countries including Sri Lanka.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Moscow
20 December 2023
