On September 23, the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka hosted a grand National Day reception to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Ambassador Wei Huaxiang attended and delivered a speech. Hon. Anura Karunathilake, Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, and Minister of Energy of Sri Lanka attended and addressed the event as the Chief Guest. Over 1,000 guests were present, including former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa and Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, General Secretary of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Tilvin Silva, Ministers of Transport, Labour, Science and Technology, friends from various sectors across the political spectrum, diplomatic envoys in Sri Lanka, and representatives of overseas Chinese.
Ambassador Wei Huaxiang reviewed the tremendous developmental achievements made over the past 77 years since the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 105 years since the founding of the Communist Party of China. Wei emphasized that the Chinese nation is engaged in the endeavors to build a great country and advance national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization, while creating greater opportunities for the world through its own development. Wei pointed out that advancing China-Sri Lanka relations in the new era requires carrying forward our traditions while breaking new ground, and upholding fundamental principles while making innovations. China stands ready to work with Sri Lanka to carry forward the spirit enshrined in the Rubber-Rice Pact, uphold the principles of ‘mutual respect, fairness and justice’, eliminate interference and meet challenges together, and implement the important common understandings reached by the leaders of our two countries with a pragmatic approach. Together, we will continue to advance our strategic cooperative partnership featuring sincere mutual assistance and everlasting friendship and build a China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future.
Minister Karunathilake extended warm congratulations on the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and welcomed Ambassador Wei on assuming his new post in Sri Lanka. Karunathilake reflected on the history of friendly bilateral exchanges, spoke highly of the accomplishments of Chinese modernization and bilateral cooperation, reiterated Sri Lanka's firm commitment to the one-China policy, and expressed gratitude for China's invaluable support. He looks forward the two countries to further strengthening cooperation and working towards a peaceful and prosperous future.
The reception was held in a festive and warm atmosphere. Guests enjoyed performances of song and dance, magic, and traditional Chinese instrumental music presented by the Zhejiang Art Troupe. They spoke highly of China's globally recognized development achievements and the friendly cooperation between China and Sri Lanka. Nearly 20 mainstream media in Sri Lanka including Daily News, Dinamina, Virakesari, and Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) reported the event.