China will continue to expand its support for Sri Lanka’s human resource development and deepen bilateral cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong said at the 2025 China Aid Training Alumni Reception held on November 20.
Addressing government officials, training participants and guests, Ambassador Qi said China had invited nearly 1,000 Sri Lankans to participate in more than 100 Chinese Aid-funded training programmes by 2025, including 19 programmes specifically tailored to Sri Lanka’s needs. He said the training covered sectors such as public administration, trade, agriculture, education, health, environment and disaster management, with participants drawn from ministries, research institutions and the private sector.
Qi highlighted China’s rapid progress in science and technology, citing breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, quantum technology, 6G communications, renewable energy and biotechnology. He said China’s “AI+” initiative was transforming industries and daily life, and would continue to drive high-quality economic development.
Referring to China’s upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan, Qi said it would shape the country’s development over the next five years and have a significant global impact, particularly for developing nations. He noted that China’s growth model demonstrated that modernization was not limited to Western pathways, offering alternative development options for emerging economies.
He also pointed to strengthening China-Sri Lanka relations, citing recent high-level visits, the resumption of the Central Expressway project, progress on the Sinopec investment and discussions on providing electric buses to Sri Lanka as evidence of deepening cooperation.
Qi said closer ties with China would enhance Sri Lanka’s development momentum and resilience, adding that China remained committed to mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation on the global stage.
He called on alumni of the China Aid Training programmes to play an active role in fostering stronger bilateral relations and people-to-people ties between the two nations. (Newswire)