04th November 2021 09:39:36 Hours
The authorities at the looming yellow Cathedral tower and star-shaped fortifications of the Peter and Paul Fortress of Russia's St. Petersburg which boasts a long history, lying adjacent to the Mikhailovskaya Military Artillery Academy welcomed the visiting Sri Lankan Army Chief, General Shavendra Silva and his retinue when they called at this ornately rich Peter and Paul Cathedral inside the Fortress on Thursday (28) as part of the itinerary.
Colonel-General Alexander Zhuravlyov, Western District Commander and his spouse extended a warm reception to the visiting delegation at the entrance. Having welcomed the day's distinguished guest from Sri Lanka, along with his spouse, Mrs Sujeeewa Nelson, President, Army Seva Vanitha Unit and the Military Assistant, the delegation closely gazed at the extravagant and historic interior of Peter and Paul Cathedral where Tsar Peter the Great was buried, and now a part of the St. Petersburg Museum complex having served as a military base, royal burial site, etc and received a comprehensive briefing on those striking chain of ancient buildings and the compound, in which the daily firing of the cannon takes place at noon.
Attaching great significance and dignity, General Shavendra Silva and the spouse were invited to join the firing of a cannon atop the fortress, a very rare gesture generally awarded only to visiting statesmen and VVIPs before they were taken around the Cathedral, Fortress and the prison-turned Museum as there is plenty to see within the walls of the fortress, one of the most central tourist attractions in the Russian Federation. General Shavendra Silva was also invited by Russian military authorities to pose for a couple photos and leave his memories in the Visitors' Book at the location.
The Western Military District of the Russian Federation is headquartered in Saint Petersburg, and more commonly known as the 'Officers' Club of the Western Military District of the Russian Ministry of Defence.' St. Petersburg’s riverfront, rising up from the shores, remains a very popular tourist attraction and showcases the ancient grandeur and rich historical and cultural heritage of the Nation.
