Celebrating the 60th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s Spaceflight and visit to Ceylon

Today, the world celebrates the 60th anniversary of the first manned space flight. On this day in 1961 Soviet cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin became the first human to travel into space. Following his historic flight, between 1961 and 1965 Yuri Gagarin embarked on a long world tour dubbed the ‘Peace Mission’, advocating for global peace and cooperation. He visited 32 countries. On the 7th of December the same year, Gagarin visited Ceylon where he was warmly received by jubilant crowds who greeted him in many cities across the island. In his message to the people of Sri Lanka, he said: “I would like to express my profound gratitude to the Government of Ceylon for the kind invitation to visit your remarkable country" On the 7th of December 1961, Gagarin was greeted by Deputy Finance Minister George Rajapaksa at the Ratmalana Airport. Later that day, Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike hosted a reception at Temple Trees in honour of the world’s first cosmonaut. During his visit he made stops at the Sri Jayewardenepura University, Colombo University, and the House of the Ceylon - Soviet Friendship Society, taking part in discussions and meetings.