Chinese Ambassador reaffirms commitment to strengthening ties with Sri Lanka

Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong has reaffirmed China’s longstanding friendship with Sri Lanka, emphasising that the relationship, which spans over two millennia, continues to remain “deeply rooted and flourishing.”

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Speaking at a reception in Colombo, on Thursday, to mark the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Ambassador Qi highlighted the success of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to China earlier this year.

“At the start of this year, President Dissanayake paid a successful visit to China. Our two leaders reached important outcomes, which provided new strategic guidance for the growth of our bilateral relations,” he said.

The Ambassador pledged that China would continue to work closely with Sri Lanka to promote mutual prosperity, peace, and development, describing the two nations as partners bound by shared aspirations, despite challenges.

He also shared China’s vision for the future, noting: “It will undoubtedly achieve new greater glories on the new journey in the new era and make new greater contributions to the noble cause of human peace and development.”

In his closing remarks, Ambassador Qi proposed a toast “to the everlasting friendship between the Chinese and Sri Lankan people, and to the enduring peace and tranquility of the world.”

Former presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Maithripala Sirisena, former Speakers Karu Jayasuriya, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, former Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Minister Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage and MP. Dilith Jayweera also graced the occasion.

Significantly, the Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Santosh Jha was also seen participating in the event.

Full Speech of Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong:

“Ayubowan!Vanakkam!Good evening!