DOCTORATE FOR FIGHTING AGAINST TERRORISM….

Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa was awarded with an Honorary Doctorate by the Peoples’ Friendship University of the Russian Federation, considering his outstanding contribution towards fostering world peace and his success against terrorism. Pictured here is the President addressing the invitees after receiving the doctorate.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei V. Lavrov who visited Sri Lanka in October last year had invited President Rajapaksa to visit Russia on behalf of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and to participate in the 50th Anniversary celebrations of Peoples’ Friendship University.

In February 1992 Patrice Lumumba Universitywas 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 five Presidents and two Prime Ministers from around the world. The University is celebrating its 50th anniversary and the function was held at the Great Kremlin Concert Hall, Moscow.

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