Ambassador Cheng bids farewell

Saturday, 29 February 2020 00:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Out-going Chinese Ambassador Cheng Xueyuan on Thursday paid a courtesy call on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and said it was an honour to work as the Ambassador to Sri Lanka.

Ambassador Cheng will be leaving to take up his new promotion. Some of his best memories in foreign services were made in Sri Lanka, he noted. He promised to continue to support Sri Lanka in whatever capacity that his new post allows.

He was deeply appreciative of both the Sri Lankan Government and the Sri Lankan people for the support and solidarity shown to China during their darkest hour brought on by the coronavirus. The consignment of black tea that President Rajapaksa gifted to those affected with the virus, as well as the pirith chanting that took place across the island, was recalled by Ambassador Cheng with much gratitude. Replying to the President’s inquiry, Ambassador said that the situation in China is now rapidly coming under control, and the number of infected has fallen to two digit numbers.

The President, while wishing Ambassador Cheng the very best, also asked him to continue to support Sri Lanka, especially in terms of initiating new projects. The Colombo-Ratnapura expressway, solar and wind powered renewable energy projects, and uplifting the standard of living in rural villages are some of the concerns highlighted by President Rajapaksa. The President also assured that special facilities would be offered to Port City investors. Ambassador Cheng in turn assured that Port City will see high rise buildings in about two years.