President Mahinda Rajapaksa undertook a three-day official visit to Russia from 6th to 9th February 2010. It is a matter of significance that the first visit abroad by the President Rajapaksa following his decisive victory at the recently concluded presidential election was to Russia.

In Moscow the President met with delegation of the Tver State Medical Academy headed by the Rector Professor Mikhail Kalinkin. For significant contribution to development of bilateral cultural, scientific and educational exchange Rector Kalinkin was presented by the President’s Award of Excellence.

As Rector Kalinkin stated, the Award is recognition of efforts of all staff members of the Academy where presently 150 citizens of Sri Lanka are making their studies.

As a generous gift of President Rajapaksa to students and staff of the Tver State Medical Academy, the National Air Force dancing troop of Sri Lanka will perform cultural program in Tver on February 11, 2010.