Professional Diploma in Russian Language: Awarding Ceremony & Inauguration of Third Batch

The University of Sri Jayewardenepura proudly celebrated a remarkable milestone on 7 October 2025 with the Awarding Ceremony of the first batch and the Inauguration of the third intake of the Professional Diploma in Russian Language. The event, held at the Sumangala Auditorium, marked another successful step in strengthening the longstanding academic collaboration between the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ) and the Ural State University of Economics (USUE), Russian Federation.

The ceremony was graced by His Excellency Levan S. Dzhagaryan, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Sri Lanka; Senior Professor Pathmalal M. Manage, Vice Chancellor of USJ; Professor Roman Krasnov, Vice Rector of USUE; and Senior Professor Shirantha Heenkenda, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Representing the diploma recipients, Ms. Madushani Fernando delivered an inspiring valedictory speech, reflecting on her learning journey and the importance of Russian language proficiency in building global connections. Mrs. Maria L. Papova, Counsellor of the Russian Embassy, and Professor Krasnov also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the significance of academic and cultural cooperation between the two nations.

Vice Chancellor Senior Professor Manage reaffirmed the University’s dedication to fostering international education, while Ambassador Dzhagaryan highlighted the deepening educational ties between Sri Lanka and Russia.

In his Vote of Thanks, Senior Professor Shirantha Heenkenda acknowledged the contributions of faculty, embassy officials, and students, emphasizing that the programme stands as a model of global academic partnership, capacity building, and cross-cultural understanding. He further highlighted that the success of this initiative demonstrates the Faculty’s commitment to promoting multilingual education and international collaboration, which aligns with the University’s vision of producing globally competent graduates. He expressed hope that the partnership with USUE will continue to expand into joint research, exchange programmes, and new academic pathways that enrich both institutions and strengthen Sri Lanka–Russia relations in higher education.