Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong said China remains committed to deepening cooperation with Sri Lanka and advancing a shared future between the two countries, as he addressed a Spring Festival gathering in Colombo on Sunday evening.
Speaking at the “Celebrating Chinese New Year with Warmth and Joy” event held at the Shangri-La Hotel Colombo, Ambassador Qi highlighted China’s economic progress, global role, and expanding partnership with Sri Lanka, while extending New Year greetings ahead of the Year of the Horse.
Addressing diplomats, government representatives, overseas Chinese, business leaders and students, the ambassador said the Spring Festival represents the cultural roots and values of the Chinese people and has increasingly become a global celebration. He noted that the festival has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, reflecting its growing international influence.
Ambassador Qi said 2025 marked a milestone year for China with the completion of the 14th Five-Year Plan and preparations underway for the 15th Five-Year Plan. He said China had maintained economic stability despite global challenges, with the country’s gross domestic product exceeding 140 trillion yuan for the first time.
He also highlighted advances in science and technology, including developments in artificial intelligence, quantum technology and space exploration, describing innovation as a key driver of China’s modernization efforts.
On global affairs, the ambassador said China has continued to act as a force for peace, stability and development, promoting multilateral cooperation and high-standard opening-up. He noted that China’s total import and export volume surpassed 45 trillion yuan, while cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative continued to expand.
Turning to bilateral relations, Ambassador Qi said China-Sri Lanka ties had entered a new phase of development, guided by high-level exchanges between leaders of both countries. He referred to meetings between Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping, and Sri Lankan leaders President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, which he said had provided strategic direction for future cooperation.
He said high-quality Belt and Road cooperation had delivered tangible results in areas such as port development, agriculture, digital economy, culture and tourism. The ambassador cited the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port as key hubs contributing to Sri Lanka’s economic development.
Ambassador Qi also noted China’s humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, including financial aid and supplies following Cyclone Ditwah, donations of school uniform materials for four consecutive years, and support for livelihood projects across the island.
Praising the contribution of the Chinese community in Sri Lanka, he said Chinese companies, teachers, students and overseas Chinese had played an important role in strengthening bilateral ties. He added that the Chinese Embassy would continue to improve consular services and protect the rights and interests of Chinese citizens and institutions in Sri Lanka.
Looking ahead, the ambassador said 2026 would mark the beginning of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, with China advancing toward its goal of building a modern socialist country. He reaffirmed the embassy’s commitment to promoting practical cooperation with Sri Lanka and supporting people-to-people exchanges.
Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Qi expressed hope that China-Sri Lanka friendship would continue to grow stronger, extending his best wishes for peace, prosperity and good health in the Year of the Horse. (Newswire)
