General Oleg Salyukov, Commander-in-Chief of the Land Forces of the Russian Federation, will arrive in Sri Lanka today (3) on a five-day goodwill tour at the invitation of acting Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva.
During the stay of the Russian Commander-in-Chief of Land Forces, General Oleg Salyukov, will call President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, acting Chief of Defence Staff and Commanders of the Army, Navy, Air Force and pay tribute to War Heroes’ Monument at Sri Jayewardenepura before he visits the Sapugaskanda Defence Services Command and Staff College, Sri Lanka Armoured Corps Regimental Centre and several other places of interest.
He will participate in the 72nd National Day celebration at the Independence Square on February 4.Russia and Sri Lanka record a history of more than 62 years after diplomatic relations were formally established on 19 February 1957. With long-lasting ties, fruitful and extensive exchanges in different spheres between the countries. Both countries have reached new heights with stronger economic ties, particularly with Russia being one of the largest importers of Ceylon Tea and with the signing of a number of bilateral agreements in various fields of cooperation which include education, trade, culture, fisheries, and tourism, among others.