The People’s Friendship University of Moscow (former Lumumba University) presented an Honaris Causa Doctorate to President Mahinda Rajapaksa by Rector Prof. Phillipov at the Ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of the University at the Kremlin Conference Hall. Pix Sudath Silva, Media Director to the President.

2010-02-06 19:03:50

President Mahinda Rajapaksa opened a three day official visit to Russia today.

He was given a red carpet welcome as he arrived at the Vinucowa Airport in Moscow on Saturday morning.

The President was met on arrival by senior government officials and later driven to a special state guest house where he and his Russian counterpart Dimitry Medvedev later met for bilateral discussions.

The Russian state-run news agency RIA has said the $300-million loan deal to buy military and dual-purpose equipment would be signed during President Rajapaksa’s visit.

The President will also attend the Golden Jubilee celebrations of his alma mater - People’s Friendship University of Russia (PFU), till 1991 known as the Patrice Lumumba Friendship University.

This is also the first ever visit of a serving Sri Lankan President to that country. (LB)