Mahinda Rajapaksa to be conferred Honorary Doctorate by Russian varsity
By K T Rajasingham
Colombo, 06 February (Asiantribune.com):
Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa is to be awarded today at 6 pm with an Honorary Doctorate by the Peoples’ Friendship University of the Russian Federation, especially considering his outstanding contribution towards fostering world peace and his success against terrorism.
Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei V. Lavrov visited Sri Lanka on October 26 last year, met Sri Lanka President and invited him personally to visit Russia on behalf of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and to participate in the 50th Anniversary celebrations of Peoples’ Friendship University.
The University by unanimous decision has decided to make the Honorary Doctorate award in recognition of his outstanding contribution towards fostering world peace and for his contribution for the development of comprehensive Sri Lanka – Russia bilateral ties including in the spheres of culture and education. It is understood that President Rajapaksa’s success against terrorism has considerably contributed towards the decision by the University to confer the degree.
It is learnt that on 5th February 1992 Patricia Lumumba University was renamed “Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia – state institute of higher education” (PFUR). Since 1995 the University has been awarding “Doctor Honoris Causa” to distinguished persons for outstanding academic achievements in the fields of science and education and to world leaders in recognition of their contribution towards fostering world peace. The awardees so far include 5 Presidents and 2 Prime Ministers from around the globe.
At the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the University, it has been decided to award the Honorary Doctorate to the Sri Lanka’s President Rajapaksa.
Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa left for Moscow yesterday evening on a two-day official visit to Moscow.
Sri Lanka President will be awarded with an Honorary Doctorate from People Friendship University Moscow on the 6th February evening. The University is celebrating its 50th anniversary and the function will be held at the Great Kremlin Concert Hall, Moscow. There will be more than 6000 invitees from over 100 countries.
On February 7, the President will be meeting the Rector of the University at 15:00 and at 15:30 Independence Day celebrations will be held at the Sri Lanka’s Embassy in Moscow and the Air Force Cultural troop will be participating.
On February 8 at 14:00 hrs, Sri Lankan President will meet the Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
Also on the same day at the Russian Ministry of Finance, there will be a US$ 300 million credit line signing ceremony.
After that ceremony at 18:30 hrs the Russian language speaking Sri Lanka’s Ambassador Udayanga Weeratunga will host a reception at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Moscow.
The President’s entourage includes, Lalith Weeratunga Secretary to the President, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama , Education Minister Susil Premajayantha, Prof. G.L. Peris - Minister of Export Development & International Trade, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa Minister of Mass Media and Information and also the Minister of Enterprise Development & Investment Promotion, ,Mahindananda Aluthgamage - Minister of Power and Mr.Wimal Weerawansa Leader of National Freedom Front.
- Asian Tribune -
Comments
With all due respect, Mr.
With all due respect, Mr. President...Why do you go for these Honorary Doctorates? They are valued today only by the conferring Universities for their own prestige, and by otherwise gullible people who have a need for ego boosting. You do not need that! Please remember Bhikku Soma and the sad outcome of lures of this sort.
We are glad that there are other bilateral reasons for this visit.
We hope that the cordiality of Sri Lanka's relations with all nations both East and West will be promoted with diligence by our diplomatic community.
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