In implementing an effective policy of dealing with both super powers in the Cold War, Mrs Bandaranaike undertook a State Visit to Moscow, with the aim of strengthening relations between the two countries and continuing the international efforts she had undertaken in the short span of three years since her election. As the first Sri Lankan Prime Minister to ever visit the Soviet Union, she held extensive discussions with Premier Nikita Khrushchev and was successful in negotiating the purchase of oil at a cheaper price as Ceylon would be buying in large quantities from the 01st of January 1964 when the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation would be responsible for complete distribution in Ceylon. The visit which was labelled a “mission of Friendship” was hailed by the Russians. Addressing a state function in Moscow, Mrs Bandaranaike noted that “it was when Mr Bandaranaike himself was planning to visit your country that his tragic assassination took place. I am happy that I have been able to fulfill a wish that we both shared – a visit to the Soviet Union.”