The Pathfinder Foundation hosted a high-level discussion featuring His Excellency Andrey Rudenko, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, during his official visit to Sri Lanka. The event brought together diplomats, policymakers, academics, and media representatives for an in-depth exchange on evolving global geopolitical dynamics and bilateral relations.


The session was attended by Mr Alexey Pavlovsky, Director of the Second Asian Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, His Excellency Levan S. Dzhagaryan, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Sri Lanka, and senior officials from the Embassy of the Russian Federation.

Welcoming the delegation, Chairman-Pathfinder Foundation, Ambassador (Retd.) Bernard Goonetilleke noted that the visit of the Deputy Minister marked the second high-level engagement by the Russian Federation with Sri Lanka in a short period, following recent discussions on energy cooperation led by Deputy Energy Minister Roman Marshavin. He observed that while earlier engagements focused on addressing Sri Lanka’s immediate energy challenges, the present dialogue provided an opportunity to broaden discussions to include the wider geopolitical and strategic environment.

Ambassador Goonetilleke highlighted that the meeting takes place at a time when the international system is under considerable strain, with ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, rising tensions in the Persian Gulf, and disruptions to major maritime corridors. He stressed that for countries such as Sri Lanka, located at the crossroads of key global shipping routes, these developments are not abstract concerns but have direct implications for economic resilience, supply chains, energy security, and national stability.

He further noted that the world appears to be in the midst of a transition toward a new international order, the contours of which remain uncertain, making it particularly important for Sri Lanka to engage with major global actors such as the Russian Federation.


In his remarks, Deputy Minister A. Rudenko expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage with the Pathfinder Foundation and described his visit to Sri Lanka as both his first and an important opportunity to better understand the country’s role in a changing global landscape. He emphasised that the international system is undergoing a profound transformation from a unipolar structure to a more multipolar order, where multiple centres of power will play a role in shaping global outcomes. He noted the increasing influence of countries of the Global South, including major economies such as China and India, as well as regional groupings like ASEAN, in determining economic, political, and security dynamics. He observed that the transition to a multipolar world is complex and often accompanied by instability, with current conflicts reflecting deeper structural changes in the international system. While acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the eventual shape of the emerging order, he reiterated Russia’s position that future global arrangements should be based on principles of sovereign equality, mutual respect, and non-interference.
Deputy Minister A. Rudenko also referred to Russia’s proposal for a broader Eurasian security architecture, aimed at fostering cooperation across a vast region extending from Europe to Asia. He suggested that such an approach could help create more inclusive and coordinated mechanisms for addressing shared challenges, while allowing regional organizations to interact more effectively on the basis of equality.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its global repercussions. The Deputy Minister described the situation as highly volatile and unpredictable, with potential consequences extending well beyond the immediate region. He stressed that continued escalation could have serious implications for global energy markets, maritime security, and economic stability, particularly for countries dependent on energy imports and secure shipping routes.
In response to questions on energy security, he reaffirmed Russia’s willingness to supply energy resources to countries in Asia, including Sri Lanka, and emphasized the importance of long-term agreements to ensure stability and predictability. He noted that while geopolitical pressures and sanctions have at times constrained cooperation, there is now renewed opportunity for engagement, provided countries pursue independent and sustainable energy strategies. He also highlighted the growing trend towards conducting trade in national currencies, reflecting broader shifts in the global financial system.
On the issue of global governance, Deputy Minister A. Rudenko acknowledged the challenges facing multilateral institutions, particularly the United Nations, and expressed support for reform efforts aimed at making them more representative and effective. He emphasized that countries of the Global South should have a stronger voice in international decision-making processes, including in the United Nations Security Council, while noting that such reforms require careful and consensus-based approaches.
The discussion also touched on the role of groupings such as BRICS, with Deputy Minister A. Rudenko noting that while differences exist among member states, the platform provides an important mechanism for coordination and dialogue among emerging economies. He highlighted ongoing efforts to bridge differences and enhance cooperation within such frameworks.

Participants raised a wide range of questions on regional security, trade dynamics, investment opportunities, and Sri Lanka’s strategic position in the Indian Ocean. Deputy Minister A. Rudenko acknowledged Sri Lanka’s importance as a regional hub and noted the potential for expanding cooperation in areas such as tourism, trade, and investment. He emphasised the need for improved connectivity, reliable financial mechanisms, and stronger institutional frameworks to support deeper economic engagement. The session concluded with an exchange of views on the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving global order, highlighting the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation in navigating a period of significant geopolitical change.


The Pathfinder Foundation expressed its appreciation to the Russian delegation for their participation and reaffirmed its commitment to fostering informed discussion and international engagement on issues of strategic importance to Sri Lanka and the wider region.

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