A Distinguished Diplomat Who Strengthened Sri Lanka–China Friendship: Tribute to His Excellency Qi Zhenhong
As His Excellency Mr. Qi Zhenhong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka, Completed his diplomatic assignment on 31 July 2026, it is an honour to reflect upon his remarkable career and his valuable contribution towards further strengthening the historic friendship and cooperation between China and Sri Lanka.
Born in September 1965, Ambassador Qi Zhenhong is a highly accomplished diplomat with extensive experience in international affairs, foreign policy, and diplomatic relations. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree and has devoted more than three decades to distinguished public service. Throughout his career, he has held numerous key positions within China’s diplomatic and foreign affairs institutions, demonstrating exceptional professionalism, expertise, and unwavering commitment.
His Excellency Ambassador Qi began his professional career in 1988 as an Assistant Economist at the Beijing Service Bureau for Diplomatic Missions (DSB). During his tenure at the Bureau, he progressed through several positions, including Economist and Deputy Director of the Operation & Audit Office, gaining valuable experience in international service management and diplomatic support. This experience laid a strong foundation for his subsequent diplomatic career.
From 1996 to 1998, he served as Second Secretary at the Chinese Representative Office of the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group and subsequently as Second Secretary at the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. During this period, he contributed to important diplomatic affairs related to international cooperation and China’s foreign relations.
Between 1998 and 2012, Ambassador His Excellency Qi held a series of senior positions within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, including Second Secretary, Deputy Section Chief, Section Chief, and Counsellor at the Policy Studying Office. He later served as Section Chief, Counsellor, and Deputy Director General of the Policy Planning Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These responsibilities enabled him to play a significant role in policy research, strategic planning, and international affairs.
From 2012 to 2014, he served as Deputy Director General of the General Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, contributing to the effective coordination and administration of China’s foreign policy activities.
His distinguished diplomatic career continued with his appointment as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Bahrain, a position he held from 2014 to 2017. During his tenure, he played a significant role in strengthening bilateral relations between China and Bahrain.
From 2017 to 2020, His Excellency Ambassador Qi served as the President of the China Institute of International Studies, one of China’s leading institutions for research and analysis on international affairs. In this capacity, he contributed to global diplomatic dialogue and international policy studies.
In 2020, Ambassador, His Excellency Qi Zhenhong was appointed as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka. Since assuming office, he has worked with dedication and sincerity to enhance the long-standing friendship and comprehensive cooperation between China and Sri Lanka, promoting closer ties and collaboration across areas of mutual interest.
During his tenure in Sri Lanka, His Excellency Ambassador Qi has played an important role in promoting cooperation across a wide range of fields, including economic development, education, cultural exchange, environmental sustainability, tourism, and people-to-people relations. His support for educational and cultural initiatives in the Western Province, particularly Chinese language education programmes, teacher development activities, and institutional exchanges, has been widely appreciated and has contributed to further strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of China and Sri Lanka.
The Governor of the Western Province His Excellency Hanif Yusoof and the Western Provincial Council extend their sincere appreciation to His Excellency Ambassador Qi Zhenhong for his outstanding service and invaluable contribution to strengthening the friendship between China and Sri Lanka. The Governor, His Excellency Hanif Yusoof conveys his warm wishes for Ambassador Qi’s continued success, good health, happiness, and prosperity in his future endeavours.
Sri Lanka and China share a friendship built upon centuries of historical connections, mutual respect, and trust. His Excellency Qi Zhenhong’s diplomatic mission in Sri Lanka has added another valuable chapter to this enduring relationship. His dedication, goodwill, and commitment will remain a respected legacy in the history of Sri Lanka – China relations.
On behalf of the Western Provincial Council, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency Ambassador Qi Zhenhong for his outstanding service and invaluable contributions to strengthening the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Sri Lanka and the People’s Republic of China. I wish His Excellency and his family continued success, good health, and happiness in the years ahead.
Harsha Wijewardana
Secretary
Western Province Provincial Council
Sri Lanka
