The government of the Russian Federation has generously contributed US$500,000 to the budget of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to be earmarked for UNHCR programmes in Sri Lanka aimed at addressing the current humanitarian needs in the country, and has expressed its hope that the funds would benefit Sri Lanka and its people.

The funds are part of Russia's annual voluntary contribution to the budget of the Office of the UNHCR.

This was communicated to H.E. Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva by H.E. Mr. Valery Loshchinin, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN in Geneva.

Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations 

Geneva

23 July 2009