Sri Lanka and Russia Explore New Initiatives to Deepen Cultural Cooperation
The Minister of Culture of Sri Lanka, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, undertook a visit to Moscow and held discussions with the Deputy Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, Mr. Andrei Malyshev, with a view to further strengthening the longstanding cultural ties and people-to-people relations between Sri Lanka and Russia.
The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the field of culture and identifying new and innovative initiatives that could further deepen the close friendship between the two countries. Both sides underscored the importance of culture as a bridge between peoples and as an important dimension of the broader Sri Lanka–Russia relationship.
A key proposal discussed was the joint celebration of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Russia, through the implementation of 70 cultural initiatives during the anniversary year. The proposed initiatives would encompass a broad range of areas, including literature, performing arts, visual arts, heritage, museums, film, music, education, Buddhist cultural heritage and exchanges between cultural institutions.
Minister Senevi also proposed the introduction of a “New Literary Cultural Triangle” framework, envisaged as an intellectual and spiritual geography connecting historic epicentres of world literature and humanism. The initiative seeks to create a platform for dialogue and cultural exchange among these great literary and civilisational traditions, while providing a new dimension for broader Eurasian cultural cooperation.
During the discussions, both sides agreed in principle on the signing of a Cultural Cooperation Agreement between Sri Lanka and the Russian Federation. The proposed agreement is expected to provide a strengthened institutional framework for expanding cooperation and facilitating regular exchanges in the cultural sphere.
In order to mark the occasion of the visit of the Minister of Culture of Sri Lanka to Moscow, Ambassador Shobini Gunasekera hosted an official luncheon at the Residence which was held also in the gracious presence of Mr. Mikhail Shvydkoy, Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for International Cultural Cooperation. The luncheon was attended by several distinguished guests, including senior representatives of Russia’s cultural institutions, Mr. Vladimir Poloskov Secretary General of the Russia–Sri Lanka Friendship Society, Mr. Dmitry Likhanov, President of the Children Charity Foundation, Mr. Sanath Abeysekera Sri Lankan Architect and representatives of the Russian State Library. The occasion provided a valuable opportunity to exchange views on strengthening cultural cooperation and further deepening the longstanding bonds of friendship between Sri Lanka and the Russian Federation.
The discussions reflected the shared commitment of Sri Lanka and Russia to further develop their historic relationship through culture, creativity, literature and civilizational dialogue. The proposed 70 cultural initiatives and the New Literary Cultural Triangle are envisaged as flagship initiatives that could give added impetus to the celebration of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations and contribute to taking bilateral cultural relations to a new level.
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Moscow continues to work closely with the relevant Russian authorities and institutions to translate these proposals into concrete programmes and projects in the lead-up to the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Russia.
Ms Mihiravi Dissanyke, Counsellor of the Embassy and Dr. Ranjana Senasinghe, Editor in Chief of the National Encyclopedia were also associated at these events.
