On January 23rd, Ambassador Qi Zhenhong led a delegation to Sri Chandananda Buddhist College in Kandy City of Sri Lanka to award "Chinese Ambassador Scholarships" to the students. Over 300 people attended the ceremony, including Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Mahanayake Thero of Asgiriya Chapter, Most Venerable Doctor Godagama Mangala Nayaka Thero the founder of the college, Venerable Godagama Dhammakiththi Thero Principal of the College, Ms. Ji Lili Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, scholarship recipients and teacher representatives.

Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Mahanayake Thero stated that the friendship between Sri Lanka and China has a long history. He expressed deep gratitude to the Chinese government for its long-term, selfless assistance to Sri Lanka, particularly emphasizing disaster relief efforts and consistent support for the education sector.

Most Venerable Doctor Godagama Mangala Nayaka Thero remarked that China has always been a true friend to Sri Lanka. He stated that the "Chinese Ambassador’s Scholarship" is a profound reflection of the deep-rooted bond between the two nations, for which all the teachers and students are sincerely grateful.

Ambassador Qi Zhenhong highlighted that the China-Sri Lanka friendship is deeply rooted in the profound Buddhist ties. He reaffirmed the Chinese government’s steadfastcommitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s educational development and expressed his hope that the students would study hard to become pillars of the country and little ambassadors of China-Sri Lanka friendship.

The event received extensive coverage from local media outlets.