Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Vladmir P Milkhailov who met Prime Minister D M Jayaratne at the Prime Minister's office in Colombo, said that his country would send a large number of Buddhist organization representatives to participate in the International Buddhist Conference.

He said that Russia had taken action to develop a large number of Buddhist places of worship in his country.

"Russia will also contribute to develop Buddhist Sacred places in Sri Lanka," the Ambassador said.

Prime Minister Jayaratne said that Russian assistance to propagate Buddhist affairs in Sri Lanka was important.

The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to Russia for the assistance granted to Sri Lanka to mark the 2600th Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi.

Prime Minister's Secretary S Amarasekera and Private Secretary Anuradha Jayaratne was also present.