The Sri Lankan side comprised of Rohan Pethiyagoda, SLTB Chairman, and Dr. Saman Weerasinghe, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation, whereas the Russian counterpart was headed by the Head of the Rosselkhoznadzor Sergei Dankvert.

As a result of fruitful and productive negotiations, the Russian side announced its decision to lift the restrictions with the effect from December 30.

This result was achieved thanks to the mutual and timely cooperation between the state authorities of Sri Lanka and the Russian Federation during the period of one week since the announcement of the restrictions. It has been noted that the most positive influence in this regard was made thanks to the official letter of Maithripala Sirisena, President of Sri Lanka, to Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, on the subject of the imposed restrictions.

State authorities of both countries pointed out the importance of presence of Ceylon tea on the Russian market, taking into account the fact that Russia is one of the largest export destinations for Sri Lanka, whereas Ceylon tea becomes gains more and more popularity with Russian consumers every year.