HE the President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his retinue after a successful three-day state tour to Russia returned to the island this morning (9) to a tumultuous welcome at the Bandaranaike International Airport.

Senior ministers, Parliamentarians, Chief of Defence Staff, Army and Navy Commanders, Inspector General of Police, state secretaries and a large crowd greeted the President on his arrival at Katunayake. President Rajapaksa was conferred an honorary Doctorate by Russians in appreciation of his contribution to the world peace by eradicating LTTE terrorism. During his stay in Russia, President Rajapaksa met his counterpart Dmitry Medvedev and held a series of bilateral talks with many senior state officials.      

President’s entourage included First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, Ministers Susil Premajayantha, Prof G.L. Peiris, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Rohitha Bogollagama, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa and Secretary to the President Lalith Weerathunga.