Chinese Embassy celebrates 68th anniversary of founding of People’s Republic of China

Chinese Ambassador Yi Xianliang on 26 September hosted a reception celebrating the 68th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China at the BMICH. Minister of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine Rajitha Senaratne participated in the reception representing the Government of Sri Lanka. 

Ambassador Yi said in his remarks that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 65th anniversary of the signing of the Rubber and Rice Pact between China and Sri Lanka. 

The bilateral relation has been promoted to a new height through high-level exchanges, economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, etc. China and Sri Lanka are friends in deed and in need. 

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China’s total assistance to Sri Lanka has amounted to over Rs. 220 billion. In recent years, China has become the largest assistance provider to Sri Lanka. From 2014 to 2017, China offered Rs. 33 billion as aid given gratis, and from 2018 to 2020 the aid will be Rs. 47 billion. In disaster relief area this year, the Chinese government provided to Sri Lanka around Rs. 800 million emergency humanitarian aid of relief supplies. 

The Chinese international rescue team, Red Cross and local Chinese companies also joined the disaster relief efforts. Looking ahead, China will continue its policy towards Sri Lanka that is respecting the decision by Sri Lanka Government and people and seek win-win development with Sri Lanka. China will also look forward to work with Sri Lankan friends to strive for a more brilliant future of our bilateral relations as well as the well-being of our two peoples.

Minister Rajitha Senaratne extended good wishes of the Sri Lanka Government on occasion of the 68th National Day of the People’s Republic of China. He spoke highly of the traditional friendship between the two countries, and appreciated China’s valuable support for economic and social development of Sri Lanka. He stressed that China is a reliable partner and trusted friend towards state construction and economy development of Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka is appreciative of China’s commitment and assistance. Sri Lanka would firmly pursue the one-China policy, continuously strengthen traditional friendship and push forward bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and China.

A photo exhibition with the theme of ‘60th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations and the 65th Anniversary of the Signing of the Rubber & Rice Pact’ was held at the reception, recreating the historical bonds between the two countries. The Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Art Troupe and the Sri Lanka Naval Forces Orchestra also brought wonderful performances for the guests.