ASLCSCC Pays Farewell Courtesy Call on Ambassador Qi Zhenhong

A delegation of the Association for Sri Lanka–China Social and Cultural Cooperation (ASLCSCC), led by its President Mr. Indrananda Abeysekera, paid a farewell courtesy call on H.E. Qi Zhenhong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka, to express the Association’s heartfelt gratitude for his outstanding service and invaluable contribution to strengthening Sri Lanka–China relations during his tenure.

The ASLCSCC delegation comprised Mr. Dunil Heiyanthuduwa, Deputy President; Mr. Mahendra Wijetunga, Secretary General; Mr. Nandasena Madawanarachchi, National Organizer; Mr. W.V.A.R.S. Weragoda, Chairman of the Sri Lanka–China Trade, Commerce and Economic Council; Ms. Inoka Waththuhewa, Chairwoman of the Sri Lanka–China Women Friendship Circle; Mr. Madushan Kularathne, Assistant Secretary and Editor of Chinamirror.lk; and Mr. Lester Rupasinghe, Assistant Secretary.

Mr. Jiang Chang, Third Secretary of the Embassy of China, also attended the meeting.

Welcoming the Ambassador, Mr. Indrananda Abeysekera delivered a brief address on behalf of the Association, conveying its deepest respect and heartfelt appreciation as Ambassador Qi concluded his distinguished tenure in Sri Lanka.

Mr. Abeysekera praised the Ambassador’s remarkable contribution to further strengthening the longstanding friendship between the peoples of Sri Lanka and China.

“During your six years in Sri Lanka, you have served with exceptional dedication, wisdom, and sincerity. Your tenure coincided with many important milestones as well as significant challenges. Throughout this period, you demonstrated outstanding leadership and an unwavering commitment to advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership between our two countries,” he said.

He further noted that what impressed the Association most was the Ambassador’s genuine affection for the people of Sri Lanka.

“You travelled extensively across the country, visiting every region and engaging with people from diverse communities. You consistently promoted closer people-to-people exchanges, cultural cooperation, social welfare initiatives, educational partnerships, youth engagement, and mutual understanding. These efforts have further strengthened the foundation of our friendship and will continue to benefit future generations.”

Mr. Abeysekera also highlighted the close cooperation between the Association and the Embassy throughout Ambassador Qi’s tenure.

“Our Association has had the privilege of working closely with the Embassy of China under your leadership. Your encouragement and generous support enabled us to organize numerous cultural, educational, youth, and friendship programmes across Sri Lanka. We sincerely appreciate the confidence you placed in our Association and your willingness to support initiatives that brought the peoples of our two countries even closer together.”

He also expressed the Association’s appreciation to all officers and staff of the Embassy for their continued cooperation and friendship extended to the Association during Ambassador Qi’s tenure.

Recalling one of the most challenging periods in Sri Lanka’s recent history, Mr. Abeysekera acknowledged the Embassy’s unwavering support during the most critical period of COVID-19 pandemic.

“Under your leadership, the Embassy worked tirelessly to provide vaccines, medical equipment, medicines, and humanitarian assistance. These acts of solidarity demonstrated that the friendship between China and Sri Lanka goes far beyond diplomacy. It is a friendship that stands together in times of difficulty.”

He also expressed the Association’s gratitude for the Embassy’s prompt humanitarian response during the Dithwa disaster, when many Sri Lankan families were affected by floods and displacement.

“At a time of great hardship, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, under your leadership, extended timely humanitarian assistance and stood in solidarity with the affected communities. This compassion further strengthened the bond between our two nations.”

Responding to the Association’s tribute, Ambassador Qi Zhenhong thanked Mr. Abeysekera and all members of the ASLCSCC for their thoughtful visit and warm sentiments.

“I am deeply touched by your friendship and kindness. As I prepare to conclude my mission in Sri Lanka after six years and nine months, I leave this beautiful country with many unforgettable memories. Sri Lanka has become much more than a place of diplomatic service for me and my family—it has become a country of dear friends and warm hospitality,” the Ambassador said.

Reflecting on his tenure, Ambassador Qi said that despite many global challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dithwa disaster, and economic difficulties, China and Sri Lanka had continued to stand together and further strengthen their traditional friendship.

He reaffirmed his belief that the bilateral relationship is founded on the principles of mutual respect, equality, trust, and mutual benefit.

The Ambassador also expressed his sincere appreciation to the Association for Sri Lanka–China Social and Cultural Cooperation for its tireless efforts in promoting people-to-people friendship.

“Your Association has made an outstanding contribution through cultural exchanges, educational programmes, youth activities, media cooperation, and many other initiatives that have brought the peoples of our two countries closer together.”

Highlighting the enduring nature of bilateral relations, Ambassador Qi stated:

“The friendship between China and Sri Lanka has a long and proud history, from the ancient Maritime Silk Road and the historic Rubber–Rice Pact to today’s Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership. This friendship has always stood the test of time and changing international circumstances.”

He reaffirmed China’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s development.

“China will continue to support Sri Lanka in its efforts to achieve economic development, improve the well-being of its people, and pursue modernization based on its own national conditions. We remain committed to expanding cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, education, healthcare, tourism, culture, science, technology, and green development.”

Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Qi said:

“Although my assignment in Sri Lanka is coming to an end, my affection for this country and its people will never end. I will always be a friend of Sri Lanka and will continue to follow your country’s progress with great interest.”

The meeting concluded in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reflecting the deep mutual respect, enduring friendship, and shared commitment of both sides to further strengthening the longstanding ties between Sri Lanka and China.

News Coverage by Madushan Kularathne. | Photos- Lester Rupasinghe