The outgoing Ambassador of China to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, met with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa on Monday (27) at the Opposition Leader’s Office in Colombo.

The meeting was described as cordial, with Premadasa expressing gratitude to Ambassador Qi for his contributions during his tenure in strengthening diplomatic ties between Sri Lanka and China.

Both sides exchanged views on the importance of maintaining long‑term bilateral relations, including cooperation in economic development, investment, trade, and development assistance, while underscoring the value of continuous engagement between the two nations.

Premadasa also extended his best wishes to Ambassador Qi for success in his future endeavors, reiterating the importance of sustaining a constructive and mutually beneficial partnership between Sri Lanka and China. (Newswire)

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The Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, who is concluding his term of office, visited the Parliament Complex today (23) accompanied by his wife.

During the visit, Parliament extended warm best wishes to the outgoing envoy and his spouse, marking the conclusion of his diplomatic tenure in Sri Lanka.

Ambassador Qi Zhenhong has served from October 2020 and officially concludes his diplomatic assignment in Sri Lanka on July 31, 2026. (Newswire)

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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)

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Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong says China’s upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan will mark a critical stage in achieving socialist modernization by 2035, emphasizing innovation, openness, and shared development.

Speaking at the Global Dialogue on “Innovation·Openness·Shared Development” held in Colombo, Ambassador Qi noted that China’s GDP is projected to reach 140 trillion yuan this year and that the next five-year period will focus on technological breakthroughs in fields such as AI, hydrogen energy, 6G, and quantum computing.

He said China will further open its economy to the world, remove restrictions on foreign investment in manufacturing, and strengthen global trade partnerships, while continuing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

Highlighting Sri Lanka’s “Clean Sri Lanka,” “Digital Sri Lanka,” and “Rural Development” initiatives, Ambassador Qi said these align closely with China’s new development agenda. He reaffirmed China’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Sri Lanka in modern agriculture, port development, digital and green economies, and poverty reduction, “to forge a China–Sri Lanka community with a shared future.”

Full Speech

Advancing the 15th Five-Year Plan: Opening a New Chapter in Chinese Modernization

–Keynote Speech at Global Dialogue on “Innovation·openness·Shared Development” Sri Lanka Session,

by H.E. Qi Zhenhong, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka

(Oct 28, 2025, 17:00, Marino Beach Hotel)

Your Honourable Anil Fernando, Minister of Labor, and Deputy Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development,

Your Honourable Shen Haixiong, Vice Minister of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, and President and Editor-in-Chief of China Media Group,

Ms. Liao Li, Deputy Chief of China Media Group Asia-Pacific

Distinguished Guests, Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening! Ayubowan! Vanakkam!

Last week, the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China concluded successfully, attracting worldwide attention. The session deliberated over and adopted the Recommendations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development. I am delighted to share my insights and reflections with all of you here today.

Back in 1949 when the People’s Republic of China was just founded, the country could not even manufacture a single car, an airplane, a tank, or a tractor. Since the first Five-Year Plan adopted in 1953, China has formulated and implemented 14 such plans up till now. From an impoverished agricultural nation, China has transformed into the world’s largest industrial manufacturer, the largest trader of goods, the largest holder of foreign exchange reserves, and the second-largest economy, with a per capita GDP exceeding $13,000. It has achieved two miracles rarely seen in the world: rapid economic growth and long-term social stability. Behind these miracles lies a key governance experience of the Communist Party of China—guiding economic and social development with medium- and long-term planning. With the blueprint for reform in place, the key is to turn it into reality step by step. China aims to basically achieve socialist modernization by 2035 through the next two Five-Year Plan periods. The period covered by the 15th Five-Year Plan will be critical in this process as we work to reinforce the foundations and push ahead on all fronts toward basically achieving socialist modernization by 2035. It will thus serve as a key link between the past and the future.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China’s GDP has successively crossed the thresholds of 110 trillion yuan, 120 trillion yuan and 130 trillion yuan. This year, China’s GDP is expected to reach around 140 trillion yuan, exceeding the set targets. The “15th Five-Year Plan” period will be in a phase of development where strategic opportunities exist alongside risks and challenges, while uncertainties and unforeseen factors are rising. However, The Chinese economy has solid foundations, multiple advantages, strong resilience and great potential. China has the capability and confidence to address various internal and external risks and challenges. The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is showing unprecedented bright prospects. Now, I would like to share my perspectives on three themes: innovation, opening up, and shared development.

First, in the new Five-Year Plan period, China’s innovation momentum will keep surging. Innovation is the primary driver of development. In recent years, China has rapidly emerged as a global leader in technological innovation, achieving breakthroughs in emerging industries such as quantum technology, artificial intelligence, brain-computer interface, humanoid robot, 6G mobile communication, hydrogen and nuclear fusion energy and biomedicine. Nowadays, the Shenzhou spacecrafts are reaching for the heavens, the Chang’e probes are embracing the moon, the Mengxiang drilling vessel is exploring the deep ocean, and high-speed rail technology is leading the world. China’s Global Innovation Index ranking has risen from 34th in 2012 to 10th in 2025. During the “15th Five-Year Plan” period, China will seize the historic opportunity presented by the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation. We will raise our innovation capacity across the board, synergize technological and institutional innovation, and continuously foster new quality productive forces, contributing more to global scientific exchange, cooperation, and progress.

Second, in the new Five-Year Plan period, China’s doors will open even wider. Opening up is a distinct hallmark of Chinese modernization. In recent years, China has consistently advanced high-standard opening up, deepened the structural reform in foreign trade and investment, removed all market access restrictions for foreign investors in the manufacturing sector, and provided zero-tariff treatment for 100% tariff lines to all Least Developed Countries having diplomatic relations with China. All these measures have been warmly welcomed by the international community. China has been the world’s largest trader in goods for eight consecutive years, with its trade in services exceeding one trillion US dollars, making it a major trading partner for more than 150 countries and regions. During the “15th Five-Year Plan” period, we will firmly embrace economic globalization by steadily expanding institutional opening up, upholding the multilateral trading system, creating greater space for two-way investment cooperation, and pursuing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

Third, in the new Five-Year Plan period, China will share even brighter development prospects with the world. History and facts have repeatedly proved that the more China develops, the more the world benefits. In the next five years, China’s development will provide more opportunities for global development. This Plenary session has once again sent a signal to the world of its commitment to openness, cooperation, mutual benefit and common prosperity. China’s determination to share development opportunities with all countries remains unwavering. So does its commitment to making the economic globalization more open, inclusive, balanced, and mutually beneficial. As a natural member of the Global South, China is always dedicated to helping developing countries better integrate into global industrial, value, and supply chains, and accelerate their industrialization and modernization processes.

As a traditional friend and cooperative partner of China, China’s progress in the next five years will open up brighter development prospects for Sri Lanka. At the beginning of this year, President Dissanayake paid a successful visit to China. Our two leaders reached important consensus and cooperation outcomes, which provided new strategic guidance for the development of our bilateral relations. Two weeks ago, Prime Minister Amarasuriya also concluded a successful visit to China. During their meetings, Predident Xi Jinping noted that China and Sri Lanka are fellow travelers on the path toward development and revitalization, and good partners of win-win cooperation. Currently, President Disanayake is leading the Sri Lankan people in striving to realize the vision of a “A Thriving Nation and a Beautiful Life,” by formulating and implementing three key plans: “Clean Sri Lanka,” “Digital Sri Lanka,” and “Rural Development.” These initiatives are highly consistent with the relevant contents of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan. China stands ready to work closely with Sri Lanka to strengthen the comprehensive alignment of our development strategies and plans, continue the advancement of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and expand the scope and depth of collaboration on various fields including port economy, modern agriculture, digital economy, green economy, poverty reduction, tourism, among others. With these efforts, we can better boost Sri Lanka’s economic and social development. Let us join hands to carry forward and build upon the China-Sri Lanka friendship carefully nurtured by generations, and together forge a China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future.

Thank you!

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A special meeting between former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, took place in Colombo on Thursday (11). 

The meeting was held at the request of the Chinese Ambassador at Wickremesinghe’s political office located on Flower Road, Colombo.

During the discussion, attention was focused on the political situation in Sri Lanka and at the international level.

Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong also called on former President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday.

The meeting took place prior to Rajapaksa leaving his official residence at WIjerama in Colombo. (Newswire)

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Sinopec marked a significant milestone in its operations in Sri Lanka with the successful hosting of the first “Clean Sri Lanka” Open Day, held on May 16, 2025, at the newly renovated Dilly Fuelling Station in Nawala.

The event marked the commencement of Sinopec’s formal participation in the Clean Sri Lanka Project; a nationwide strategic initiative that targets a cleaner environment and fosters shared moral commitment. Sinopec joined the Clean Sri Lanka Project to support the government’s efforts to ensure Sri Lankans benefit from clean washroom facilities and enhanced services delivered through Sinopec’s network of fuel stations across the island.

The event was graced by the Minister of Energy Hon. Eng. Kumara Jayakody, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka H.E. Qi Zhenhong, Governor of the Western Province Hon. Hanif Yusoof and Representing Clean Sri Lanka Program,and Additional Secretary to the President Eng. S.P.C. Sugeeshwara. As the first event of its kind, the gathering highlighted Sinopec’s strategic vision for Sri Lanka, rooted in environmental responsibility and modernization.

Held at the newly upgraded Nawala Dilly Fueling Station, the 14th such Filling Station enhanced since Sinopec’s entry into Sri Lanka, the Open Day offered visitors a firsthand look at the company’s commitment to sustainable service standards. Through guided Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) tours, the public had the opportunity to explore a range of enhancements, from high-speed and precision fuel pumps to emergency shut down buttons, static electricity fire prevention technologies, fuel vapour capture valves, and of course, clean restroom facilities designed for men, women, and the differently abled.

In addition to infrastructure, Sinopec is also investing in human capital development, including island-wide training programs for Station Managers and Fuel Pumpers on safety, First Aid, Fuel Refilling Service excellence and Fire Response Practices. These capacity-building efforts aim to improve customer interactions and raise the overall quality of service delivery and safety across the Sinopec network.

Addressing the gathering, Wang Haini, General Manager of Sinopec Energy Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, emphasized the company’s commitment to building long-term partnerships and delivering positive change through its Station Network.

“At Sinopec, we believe a fueling station should be more than just a place to refill vehicles; it should offer a clean, safe, and dignified environment for every customer who steps onto the forecourt. This is why we have introduced the Sinopec Open Day, designed to strengthen the connection between the public, our dealer partners, and our company. Through this event, we aim to promote greater transparency and echo the government’s commitment to uplift infrastructure standards across Sri Lanka.”

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Energy, Minister Hon. Kumara Jayakody shared his perspective on the significance of Sinopec’s commitment to the Clean SL initiative:

“The continued investment Sinopec is making towards the modernization of Sri Lanka’s fuel stations deeply resonate with our national priorities. The “Clean Sri Lanka” Open Day demonstrates the value of public-private partnerships in building a more inclusive and sustainable energy landscape for all Sri Lankans.”

Sinopec station staff have also undergone specialized customer service training and are now part of a continuous evaluation and skills development program, an initiative they’ve embraced wholeheartedly, as structured opportunities for professional growth had been limited in the past.

For customers, the upgraded station offers more than just a fill-up: it’s a fresh, vibrant space that transforms an everyday chore into a more enjoyable and engaging experience. With modern aesthetics, courteous service, and a renewed sense of atmosphere, fueling at Sinopec now feels less like a task and more like a moment of ease on a busy day.

The successful execution of the Clean Sri Lanka Open Day reinforces Sinopec’s broader vision to be a transformative force in Sri Lanka’s energy sector. Through continued collaboration with the Government and communities, the company is working to build an energy network that is not only technologically advanced but also deeply rooted in social responsibility.

About Sinopec Energy Lanka (Pvt) Ltd
Sinopec Energy Lanka (Pvt) Ltd is the Sri Lankan subsidiary of Sinopec Group, one of the world’s largest integrated energy and chemical corporations. With operations in over 40 countries, Sinopec is committed to sustainable development, innovative energy solutions, and delivering international standards to local markets. In Sri Lanka, the company is focused on enhancing the fuel retail landscape through infrastructure modernization, stakeholder collaboration, and a strong emphasis on environmental and social responsibility.

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