Yury Gagarin's bust sculpture unveiled in Sivali College in Ratnapura

A solemn memorial ceremony honoring the first man in space, Yury Gagarin, was hosted by Sivali Central College Astronomical Society in Ratnapura. The event marked 61 years since the world famous icon figure had visited the venue in 1961 and planted jackfruit tree in its front, leaving an unforgettable legacy. Over decades, the college has been visited by other top-rank Soviet Spacemen - V.Tereshkova, A.Nikolaev and V.Bykovskiy.
Upon a special invitation by Sivali's principal Cap. Neil Dhammika Watukarawatta and his deputy Mrs. Manel Nirialla, the event was graced by Russian Ambassador H.E. Mr. Levan Dzhagaryan and his spouse. The Gagarin Memorial Night complete with a traditional oil-lighting, concert and official speeches, was followed by the unveiling ceremony of Gagarin's bust sculpture , forever commemorating the hero in Sri Lanka.