On 25 April 2016, the meeting was held between top officials of the Ministry of Defence of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and Tatarstan Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov. The meeting was attended by Tatarstan Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Albert Karimov, top executives of Ak Bars Holding Company, OAO Zelenodolsk Shipyard, etc.
Ildar Khalikov expressed his hope that the visit of the delegation from the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka will become an impetus for cooperation not only with the Zelenodolsk Shipyard, but also with other Tatarstan industrial enterprises.
In turn, the representative of the Sri Lanka Ministry of Defence reminded that his country went through hard times and today is interested in the renovation of its existing fleet.