Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media Dr. Bandula Gunawardena’s recent official visit to Russia was a resounding success. During his visit to the Patrice Lumumba People’s Friendship University, the Minister’s invitation to its officials to open a branch in Sri Lanka was well received.
A discussion was also held between the Minister and Russian officials during a visit to the Russian Transport University where Dr. Gunawardena proposed they work closely with Sri Lanka’s tech-based universities and requested their support to develop the German Technical Training Institute in the country. An MoU was also signed between the Belarusian Transport University, the Sri Lanka Railways and the German Technical Training Institute.
During the discussion with the head of the Patrice Lumumba People’s Friendship University Oleg Yastrebov and its administration, it was agreed that relations between the Sri Lankan and Russian universities should be developed.
It was also decided at the meeting with the head of the Russian Transport University, Alexander Klimov, that a working group from both sides will be set up to discuss the information needed to evaluate the condition of the railway system in Sri Lanka and to discuss the cooperation that can develop the field of transport and education in the country.
Observation tour of Russia’s Transport University
The Minister attended an observation tour of Transport University of Russia to strengthen ties with it. During the visit, he held a discussion with the head of the University Alexander Klimov and other staff. Improving the ties with Sri Lankan tech-based universities, development of the German Technical Institute, Student exchange programs, research, online lectures and training of transport experts were discussed during the meeting. It was agreed to set up a working group to evaluate the Sri Lanka Railway (SLR) system and to develop it.
Building a new relationship with the People’s Friendship University
The Minister also paid a visit to the People’s Friendship University in Moscow where he met its head Oleg Yastrebov. Yastrebov said that the University and Sri Lanka have maintained good relations over the years and nearly 1,000 Sri Lankan students have passed through its doors in its 60-year history.
He said that three of their representatives visited Sri Lanka last year and three MoUs were signed during the visit. He said the Minister’s visit would allow for relations to develop even further. Dr. Gunawardena expressed his appreciation for the support extended and proposed that the University open a branch in Sri Lanka.
He assured that the Sri Lankan Government would render its assistance to set up the branch. The Minister was also takes on a tour of the university.
Visit to Belarus
The Minister also visited Belarus during his visit. He met the Minister of Industries in Belarus and the heads of the Minsk Automobile plant. The parties agreed to improve relations to develop the transport production sector and to sign agreements regarding them in the future.
An Mou between the Sri Lanka Railways, German Railway Technical Training Centre and the University of Transport of Belarus
The Minister discussed with the University of Transport officials about improving relations and the higher education sector. In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between the Transport University of Belarus and the Sri Lanka Railways and the Sri Lanka-German Railway Training Centre.
The Belarusian Transport University said that it expects long-term and effective cooperation with institutions related to the transport sector in Sri Lanka. After the official discussion, the delegation was takes on a tour of the university’s facilities including laboratories and classrooms.