General Oleg Salyukov, Commander-in-Chief of the Land Forces of the Russian Federation, has arrived in Sri Lanka on an official visit.

The General will engage in a five-day-long goodwill tour, at the invitation of Commander of Sri Lanka Army Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, cementing the long-lasting ties between the two nations.

His delegation includes Deputy Chief of the Main Land Forces Staff, Assistant to Commander-in-Chief, and two officials (and his spouse).

During the stay of the General Salyukov is scheduled to call on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Commander of the Army, Commander of the Navy, Commander of the Air Force.

He will also set to 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.

The visiting Russian General as a special distinguished guest will participate in the 72nd National Day celebration tomorrow (04), stated the Sri Lanka Army.

Russia and Sri Lanka record a history of more than 62 years after diplomatic relations were formally established on 19 February 1957. 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.