President Anura Kumara Dissanayake hails Dr. Saman Weerasinghe over award from Vladimir Putin

In a symbolic gesture of goodwill and strengthened bilateral ties, Dr. Saman Weerasinghe has presented the prestigious Order of Friendship Medal to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during a courtesy call at the Presidential Secretariat.  

The medal, awarded to Dr. Weerasinghe by Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on November 4, 2025, is one of Russia’s highest civilian honours. It recognises his decades-long contribution to fostering diplomatic, cultural, and economic relations between Sri Lanka and the Russian Federation.   

Dr. Weerasinghe, former Ambassador to the Russian Federation, currently serves as Chairman of the Sri Lanka-Russia Geographical Society, General Secretary of the Sri Lanka-Russia Friendship Society, and Chairman of the board of Lay Trustees of Kelaniya Rajamaha Vihara Temple. His presentation of the medal to the Head of State underscores the enduring friendship between the two nations and highlights Sri Lanka’s appreciation of his distinguished service.