By: Staff Writer Colombo (LNW): Foreign visitors from Russia and Ukraine, the two countries now threatening the world of an armed war amid escalated tension, helped Sri Lanka’s tourism recovery this year, the official government data showed highlighting over 100,000 tourist arrivals from the Russian Federation. Sri Lanka marked a significant milestone by welcoming over 100,000 tourist arrivals from the Russian Federation through 314 direct flights to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake and Mattala Rajapaksa Inte-rnational Airport (MRIA). Aeroflot, Azur Air, Redwings bring in 100,298 Russian tourists via 314 direct flights to Sri LankaRussian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Levan Dzhagaryan says bond between two countries set stage for growth in tourism, economic cooperation AASL Chairman G.A Chandrasiri expresses gratitude for boost in Russian arrivals Aeroflot Captain Ermolaev Vladimir Vlaimirovich says Sri Lanka is worth visiting during anytime or any season SLCB Chief Thisum Jayasuriya highlights opportunities for MICE activities in SL The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, in collaboration with the Airport and Aviation Services, organised a special ceremony at BIA yesterday to celebrate this milestone where a warm welcome for passengers and crew arriving on an Aeroflot flight from Moscow was extended. Since 10 October 2022, a total of 100,298 Russian tourists have been brought to Sri Lanka through direct flights operated by Russian flag carrier — Aeroflot along with Charter flights Azur Air, and Redwings. Russia ranks second largest source market for tourism in Sri Lanka with 112,993 tourists, contributing 17% of the total travellers arrived in the country so far highlighting the growing interest in the country among Russian travelers. The ceremony at the BIA was attended by the Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Levan Dzhagaryan, the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd., Chairman G.A Chandrasiri, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau Chairman Thisum Jayasuriya, former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia Udayanga Weeratungaas well as representatives from industry stakeholders involved in direct flight operations. The event featured a cultural performance by a traditional dance troupe, which was highly enjoyed by Russian tourists. Speaking at the ceremony Russian Ambassador Dzhagaryan said Russia is committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s tourism and economic revival, noting that the strong bond between the two countries set the stage for further growth in tourism cooperation and economic expansion. This relationship signifies the strong bond between the two countries which is mutually beneficial. I can promise that the people of my country will visit Sri Lanka and bring over 200,000 next year. However, you all must promise a grand welcome like this again for them,” he quipped. AASL Chairman Chandrasiri expressed his gratitude to all the stakeholders for their dedication to supporting Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and economy. He thanked all the tourism and aviation officials, as well as industry stakeholders, for their support in bringing in a large number of Russian travellers. Aeroflot Captain Ermolaev Vladimir Vlaimirovich extended his appreciation for the warm hospitality shown by the Sri Lankan people and praised Sri Lanka as an impressive travel destination.