Rajapaksa leaves for Russia to attend eco forum

Colombo: Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa today left for Russia on a three day visit to attend the 15'th Annual St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEP).

Rajapaksa's visit assumes added significance as Russia supported Sri Lanka over the UN Secretary General's expert panel report which accused it of committing war crimes during the final weeks of the war against the LTTE.

This is Rajapaksa's second trip to Russia after being elected as president of the country in January 2010.

The forum, held annually with the participation of Russian President, brings together prominent politicians, corporate executives and experts to discuss key issues of the global economy.

Sri Lanka has been invited as an observer to the forum.

Rajapaksa is due to make a series of calls on other leaders attending the forum, the country's external affairs ministry officials said.