Sri Lanka-China Friendship Association unveils “Sri Lanka Cheena Mithudama” book

From left: Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong, Sri Lanka-China Friendship Association President Ananda Goonatilleke and former Speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya – Pix by Upul Abayasekara

The Sri Lanka-China Friendship Association (SLCFA) proudly launched the book “Sri Lanka Cheena Mithudama” (Sri Lanka China Friendship) at a ceremonious event held recently at the auditorium of the National Library and Documentation Services Board of Sri Lanka. 

The launch event was graced by prominent dignitaries, including the former Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Karu Jayasuriya, who was the keynote speaker, and Ambassador for the People’s Republic of China Qi Zhenhong who was the Guest of Honour. 

Attorney-at-Law and Sri Lanka-China Friendship Association President Ananda Goonatilleke chaired the event, reflecting on the enduring relationship between Sri Lanka and China. The SLCFA, originally founded as the “Ceylon-China Friendship Union” on 21 September 1950, by the Ceylon Communist Party, stands as a pioneer in fostering people-to-people diplomatic ties between the two nations. The first President of the union was Kusuma Gunawardena, mother of the current Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dinesh Gunawardena. 

In his welcome address, Goonatilleke introduced the book’s rich content, which encompasses a wide range of topics including historical ties, Buddhist connections, diplomatic relations, literature, economic and cultural cooperation, Chinese cuisine, China’s role and support in the war that defeated the LTTE, media, philatelic interests, photography, and more. He expressed gratitude to the authors who contributed invaluable articles and acknowledged the continuous support from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sri Lanka. 

Karu Jayasuriya, in his keynote address, highlighted the significance of the Rice and Rubber Pact, emphasising its role in solidifying the profound friendship between Sri Lanka and China. He commended the SLCFA for its seven-decade-long dedication to nurturing people-to-people relationships between the two countries. 

The highlight of the event was the formal presentation of the first copies of “Sri Lanka Cheena Mithudama” by Goonatilleke to Karu Jayasuriya and Ambassador Zhenhong. The event also saw the presence of notable figures such as Communist Party of Sri Lanka General Secretary Dr. G. Weerasinghe, SLCFA Executive Vice President Aruna Goonatilleke, Vice Presidents Thilak Botheju, Daya Lankapura and Premadara Dissanayake, SLCFA office bearers and various civil society activists and members of the public. 

All attendees were presented with a complimentary copy of “Sri Lanka Cheena Mithudama,” marking the occasion as a memorable celebration of the enduring friendship between Sri Lanka and China.