The Sri Lanka–Russia Business Council (SLRBC) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce successfully held its 22nd Annual General Meeting at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo – Oak Room, with the presence of senior government officials, business leaders, diplomatic representatives, and members of the Council. The meeting was attended by His Excellency Levan Dzhagaryan, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Sri Lanka, as Chief Guest, and Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, as Guest Speaker.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Dzhagaryan commended the Council for its continued efforts to strengthen bilateral trade and cultural ties. He acknowledged the challenges posed by global sanctions on Russia but reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to maintaining strong relations with Sri Lanka. Highlighting growing cultural engagement and people-to-people links, he noted the continued interest of Russian tourists and the importance of improving connectivity between the two countries.

The outgoing President, Mr. Jude Fernando, reflected on a year marked by strong progress and significant engagement between Sri Lanka and the Russian Federation. He highlighted the Council’s milestone initiatives, including the successful Members’ Night, the continuation of the Russia Multiple Business Visa facilitation program, a webinar on strengthening bilateral trade, and the publication of a Russia National Day supplement in leading newspapers. He noted that governance reforms undertaken this year would support long-term sustainability and increased transparency within the Council.  He also extended warm congratulations to Dr. Saman Weerasinghe on receiving the prestigious “Order of Friendship” from the President of the Russian Federation, recognising his longstanding contribution to Sri Lanka–Russia relations.

The newly appointed President, Mr. Chamath Hettiarachchi, highlighted the opportunities for Sri Lankan exporters particularly in tea, rubber, spices, and fisheries as well as emerging prospects in technology transfer, renewable energy, logistics, and education. He stressed the Council’s renewed focus on addressing trade settlement challenges, expanding SME participation in the Russian market, and enhancing tourism promotion, noting that Russia continues to remain among Sri Lanka’s top inbound tourist markets