China remains a trustworthy friend and reliable partner to Sri Lanka – Qi Zhenhong

History has proven that no matter how the international situation changes, or even whether facing traditional or non-traditional threats, the Chinese government and its people have always stood firmly with the Sri Lankan government and people. China remains a trustworthy friend and reliable partner to Sri Lanka, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong said yesterday.

He was speaking at the opening of a Photo Exhibition Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) at Colombo Public Library, yesterday.

The Ambassador further said “China and Sri Lanka are traditional friendly neighbours, with our friendship spanning over 2,000 years. Earlier before 1957 when the two countries established diplomatic relations, we had already overcome multiple difficulties to sign the historic Rubber-Rice Pact, which embodied the spirit of independence, self-reliance, unity and mutual support. Over the past 67 years, China and Sri Lanka have been supporting each other based on principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefits. Facts have repeatedly shown that the closer and deeper the cooperation between China and Sri Lanka, the more capable Sri Lanka will be in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, development and dignity, and in playing a bigger role in regional and international affairs.

The people of Sri Lanka have now entered a new era and are writing a new chapter of their history. I firmly believe that the diligent, intelligent, and heroic people of Sri Lanka will definitely overcome all sorts of risks and challenges, fully recover from the current crisis, and revive national economy to achieve prosperity. Sri Lanka, as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, will shine brighter. The China-Sri Lanka strategic cooperative partnership based on sincere mutual assistance and everlasting friendship will continue to gain great momentum on a higher level.

The past 75 years have been a fruitful journey for China by braving wind and rain. Since its founding in 1949, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the Chinese nation has achieved the great transformation from standing upright to becoming prosperous and growing in strength. Now the Chinese people are making confident strides on the new path for building a great modern socialist country in all respects and are pursuing national rejuvenation through Chinese modernisation.

The fundamental reason for China’s remarkable leapfrog development is the leadership of the Communist Party of China, which has guided the Chinese people in embarking on the great journey of reform and opening up. This year, the 20th CPC Central Committee successfully convened its Third Plenary Session in July and adopted the new programmatic document for reform and opening-up, which is the Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Further Deepening Reform Comprehensively to Advance Chinese Modernisation. The Resolution set the overall objectives to continue improving and developing the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics and modernise China’s system and capacity for governance. It also laid out more than 300 major reforms which shall be completed by the 80th founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China in 2029”.

The Sri Lanka-China Friendship Association (SLCFA) organised the special photography exhibition commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China.

Themed “After Liberation: China’s Development in 75 Years,” the exhibition will be held under the distinguished patronage of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sri Lanka, and will take place from 28th October to 29th October 2024 at the Exhibition Hall, Public Library, Colombo (No. 15, Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo 07).

The Opening Ceremony was attended by Hanif Yusoof, Governor of the Western Province, as the Chief Guest, and Qi Zhenhong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka, attending as the Guest of Honour.

The exhibition celebrates China’s remarkable journey since the Chinese Revolution of 1949, a historic event that unified China under the leadership of the Communist Party and paved the way for its rapid modernisation, industrialisation, and economic reform. Over the past 75 years, China has transformed into a global leader, making significant strides in infrastructure, technology, and social development.

As the oldest people-to-people friendship organisation between the two nations, the Sri Lanka-China Friendship Association has played a pivotal role in strengthening ties between Sri Lanka and China long before formal diplomatic relations were established. Rooted in values of solidarity and cooperation, the SLCFA has promoted cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections, contributing to the strong diplomatic and economic partnerships that exist today.

Over the years, China has consistently supported Sri Lanka through generous donations and grants, including the construction of iconic landmarks such as the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) and the National Nephrology Specialised Hospital in Polonnaruwa. China’s unwavering support during Sri Lanka’s wartime and its continued assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic have further solidified the deep friendship between the two nations.

This photography exhibition not only highlights China’s remarkable achievements since its liberation but also serves as a tribute to the enduring friendship between China and Sri Lanka. It is a unique opportunity for the public to reflect on China’s development and the strong bond shared between these two nations.

Ananda Goonatilleke, Attorney-at-Law and President of the Sri Lanka-China Friendship Association, together with the members of the national executive committee, invite the public to attend this celebratory event.

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