Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the state attended a ceremony at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing on Friday morning to present flower baskets to fallen national heroes. The event was held to commemorate Martyrs' Day, which falls on September 30, a day ahead of China's National Day.
At 10 a.m., all participants sang the national anthem, and thereafter paid a silent tribute to those who devoted their lives to the liberation of the Chinese people and the building of the People's Republic of China, which was founded on October 1, 1949.
Nine huge flower baskets presented in the name of the CPC Central Committee, the Standing Committee of the
National People's Congress, the State Council and other organizations and groups stood before the crowd.
After honor guards laid the baskets in front of the monument, Xi and other leaders walked up to the foot of the monument, where the Chinese president straight-
ened the red ribbons on the baskets before leading other senior officials in a walk around the monument to pay their tributes. They were joined later by representatives from various sectors of society, including veterans, retired officials and relatives of the fallen heroes.
On the occasion of the 73rd Chinese National Day, a friendship forum organized by the Association for Sri Lanka China Social and Cultural Cooperation in collaboration with Sri Lanka China Friendship Association, Sri Lanka China Society, Sri Lanka China Journalist’s Forum and Sri Lanka China Buddhist Friendship Association at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel in Colombo on 28.9.2022.
Chief Guest Hon Dinesha Gunawardena Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and Guest of Honor HE Qi Zhenhong Ambassador of China to Sri Lanka
Lanka and President Ranil Wickramasinghe wish to extend my warm sincere fraternal greetings on the 73rd National Day of the People's Republic of China to the Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier, Leaders, & Comrades of the Communist Party of China, with the friendly People of China, and certainly with friends of Association for Sri Lanka China Social and Cultural Co operations and other China Sri Lanka Friendship Associations. The People’s Republic of China was promulgated on the 1st of October 1949 after the long successful victorious march towards the Revolution, with a long and arduous journey led by the Great Leader Mao Tse Tung, Leader Chou En Lai, and other leaders of the Communist Party of China.
Accordingly, China emerged strong in the path of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and a new era of development began with the birth of the People’s Republic of China. President Xi Jingping said recently that China and Sri Lanka should be praised for setting an example of friendly coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation between countries.
Seven decades ago, at a time when we did not have diplomatic relations, and in a time when barter trade accounts did not exist, China and Sri Lanka signed the Rubber Rice Pact against all odds. It opened the door to friendly exchanges between our two nations and also a new chapter in economies of the world."
" China has been a Kalyāṇa mittatā, a very special friend for Sri Lanka who is with you in difficulties as well as in happiness."
Sri Lanka Prime Minister says
It brings me great joy and honor to join the Glory of Friendship Reception this evening. The reception is not only a Gala for friends, but also a Reunion of families. Because all the guests present tonight from all walks of life in Sri Lanka, have always been following and supporting the development of China and China Sri Lanka relations! You are the backbone of the friendship between our two peoples! On behalf of the Chinese embassy in Sri Lanka, I would like to extend my sincerest greetings and most heartfelt thanks to you and your family.
Tonight, we are gathering here to celebrate the 73rd Nation-
al Day of the People’s Republic of China. Over the past 73 years, China has gone through a long way, with continued hard working, reforming and opening up, and risen to the second largest economy in the world. In the past decade, under the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has made great achievements in various sectors, eradicated absolute poverty, and realized the first centenary goal. All of you have witnessed, participated, and contributed to this great process in the human history. At this crucial historical juncture, the 20th
National Congress of the Communist Party of China will be held after two more weeks in Beijing. It will not only draw up a new grand blueprint for China’s development, but also bring the international community stronger confidence and higher expectation on China. Let’s jointly wish the Congress a great success!
Tonight, we are gathering here to celebrate the 65th anniversary of China-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations, and the 70th anniversary of Rubber-Rice Pact.
" Neither the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic crisis, the domestic political change nor the external interference can obstruct the friendly exchanges between our
Qi Zhenhong, Ambassador of China to Sri Lanka
China has laid the foundation to become….
This remarkable achievement celebrated its 70th anniversary earlier this year.
Non Aligned foreign policy of the Progressive Government of 1956 established formal diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and China in 1957, and this stands out as an historic occasion as this year we celebrate the 65th anniversary of China Sri Lanka diplomatic relations.
This resulted in promoting political consensus into concrete action, and transforming idea recognition into practical results, and promoting policy coordination, facilities connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration and people-to-people bonds.
China has been a Kalyana Mitra, a very special friend for Sri Lanka. Kalyana Mitra is a friend who is with you in difficulties as well as in happiness. That’s why we place China as a Kalyana Mithra ofSri Lanka.
The Rice Rubber pact greatly enhanced trade, aid, & investments to expand upon a platform of mutual cooperation and friendship. And was furthered through diplomatic relations respecting Sri Lanka's independence, sovereignty, safeguarding of Unitary State and territorial integrity. Even in the present situation China has assured further support for attracting investments, cooperation, and tourism to Sri Lanka. We are hopeful of expanding trade through a new agreement for which we are about to conclude discussions .
This great bond has lasted few millennias as evident through records of the world renowned 4th century historian Buddhist monk Fa hian thero. Such exclusive records not only speak of volume in trade and cultural exchanges, but importantly of the silk
route in which China and Sri Lanka collectively are having great deep roots.
As of today, China has laid the foundation to become a global giant changing the international balance of power. Its speedy and balanced progress in political, socio economic, poverty alleviation, cultural, scientific, technological, environment, research and space spheres deserves our esteemed respect.
This continues to reaffirm and strengthen more than 5000 years of known great Chinese civilization on Earth.
Neither the COVID19 pandemic, the economic crisis,...
More than any other place on earth, and for the first time in history of mankind, Today's China has successfully eradicated poverty of 900 million human beings under its unique economic policy and set a great example to the world the way it adopted a practical economic model.
China is a true decisive global leader, especially with its leadership and assistance in Asia, Africa, & Latin America and towards prosperity of All Nations.
May our friendship grow from strength to strength to energise us to work for global harmony and the prosperity of our peoples.
In conclusion I wish to once again extend my warm sincere fraternal greetings, and may the day be celebrated by generations across the world.
In the face of the current challenging international situation, the spirit of Rubber Rice Pact, namely “independence, self reliance, unity
and mutual support” becomes ever more significant. And the traditional friendship between our two countries and two peoples more precious. As we say, amity between the peoples holds the key to a better state to state relations. I have been listening carefully about your speeches and stories, and deeply impressed and moved. We sincerely commemorate late Minister Philip Gunawardena and Madam Kusuma Gunawardena who pioneered the exchanges with China, and late Minister R.G. Senanayake who signed the Rubber Rice Pact for their great contributions to China Sri Lanka friendship; We are also highly gratified to see pupils from Devi Balika School in Colombo, Caihe No.3 Primary School in Hangzhou and many others from the younger generation, are now carrying forward our friendship in the new era. What a joy!
In the past year, my colleagues and I have set foot on all the nine provinces of the island. We laid the foundation stone of “Hope Village” in Hambantota down the south, and distributed food packs to estate workers in the central district of Nuwara Eliya. We visited local villages and financed a housing project for underprivileged families in the eastern coast of Batticaloa, and donated fishing gears to poor fishmen in the Northern Province. I feel myself the severe challenges facing Sri Lanka at the moment, but I’m also deeply touched and greatly encouraged by the positive minds of its people. It’s worth mentioning that, when the Chinese Scientific Vessel Yuan Wang 5 finally docked at Hambantota Port last month, big crowd from both countries joined me and welcomed the vessel in Hambantota. It makes our belief even stronger that neither the COVID 19 pandemic, the economic crisis, the domestic political change nor the external interference can obstruct the friendly exchanges between our two peoples. Withstood all these challenges, our friendship will only grow unbreakable!
On the occa- sion of the 73rd Chinese National Day, a friendship forum organized by the Association for Sri Lanka China Social and Cultural Cooperation in collaboration with Sri Lanka China Friendship Association, Sri Lanka China Society, Sri Lanka China Journalist’s Forum and Sri Lanka China Buddhist Friendship Association at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel in Colombo on 28.9.2022. Chief Guest Hon Dinesha Gunawardena Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and Guest of Honor HE Qi Zhenhong Ambassador of China to Sri Lanka.
External forces, imperialist media mongers, hegemonic & expansionist enemies and their agents have unleashed & are still spreading a torrent of anti China propaganda. But China will definitely standup like the everlasting Great Wall.
Ananda Gunathilaka President Sri Lanka China Friendship Association
From the ancient era to the present day, China has proved that it is our true friend, not by empty words but by deeds. The primary objective of the Forum: An ethical journalist acts with integrity. Say no to fake news.
Nalin Aponso President Sri Lanka China Journalist Forum
Nayana Wanniarachchi Principle President’s Girls School, NawalaSince COVID 19, we have received Rs 34 Million worth of PPEs donated by 19 Chines NGOs, Rs 5.25M for medicines by the China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development, Rs 26M by Chinese friends to support 1,002 Sri Lankan students, Rs 12M by Amity Foundation to 455 village kids, Rs 5.25M pocket money donated by pupils from Caihe 3rd Primary School in Hangzhou, China to 210 Lankan pupils, and 1,000 food packs donated by the China Poverty Alleviation Foundation.
Dr Vipula Jayampathi Vice resident
Sri Lanka China Society
made a video presentation to highlight the Sri Lanka China people to people friendship & mutual support especially between Buddhist communities since the COVID 19 broke out.
Ajith Darmawardena PresidentSri Lanka China Buddhist Friendship Association
It is my great honor to be invited to attend the reception hosted by five Sri Lanka friendship organizations with China celebrating the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. On this occasion, I would like to extend, on behalf of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), my cordial greetings and best wishes to brotherly people of Sri Lanka, and express my heartfelt thanks and high respect to friends from all walks of life who have been long committed to China Sri Lanka friendship.
This year is an important year for both China and Sri Lanka to commemorate 70 years ago, China and Sri Lanka, two newly born countries, overcame difficulties and obstacles and
Visual Speech by Ambassador Lin Songtian, President of CPAFFC
signed the Rubber Rice Pact, opening the door for friendly exchanges. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 65 years ago, the governments of China and Sri Lanka have always abided by the Five Principles of Peaceful Co existence, treated each other with equality, mutual trust and sincerity. The two sides understand, respect and help each other on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concern and firmly safeguard our respective and common interests.
Last year marked the centenary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. President Xi Jinping solemnly declared that through the concerted efforts of the Chinese gov-
ernment and people, China has won the fight against poverty on schedule, achieved the first centenary goal on schedule, and built a moderately prosperous society in all respects on schedule. The 1.4 billion people have been lifted from absolute poverty and embarked on the socialist modernization path of common prosperity for all.
Under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, China has created two miracles, namely rapid economic development and long term social stability,
" We are very sympathetic to the temporary difficulties faced by Sri Lankan friends. I look forward to leading a delegation to visit Sri Lanka at an early date."
which have not only benefited the Chinese people, who account for nearly 20% of the world's total population, but also provided new options and more cooperation opportunities for developing countries including Sri Lanka. China has become an important force in safeguarding world peace and promoting common development.
For building a better world, President Xi Jinping has put forward the important concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind, as well as new ideas and measures such as the "the Belt and Road" Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, and the Global Security Initiative. With the vision of new development, China is committed to win win cooperation for common development with all countries.
We are pleased to see that important progress has been made in the cooperation of the Belt and Road Initiative under the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits. China has become Sri Lanka's largest trading partner and major source of investment and tourism. Our friendly and mutual beneficial cooperation has brought tangible benefits to the two peoples. Colombo Port City, Hambantota Port comprehensive development project has become a flagship of jointly building the Belt and Road. The project has created more than 100,000 local jobs and trained thousands of technical and management talents and laid an important founda-
tion for Sri Lanka to further realize its independent and sustainable development.
We have noted that “natural disasters” such as the global COVID 19 pandemic and geopolitical “man made disasters” such as the Ukraine crisis are coming one after another. The security and stability of global production line, supply chain and capital chain have been severely undermined. The global energy, food and financial crisis have triggered crisis in terms of the production, life and survival, especially for the people in the underdeveloped countries. Sri Lanka is one of the victims. In this difficult time, please be assured that the Chinese government and people unswervingly stand with the government and people of Sri Lanka to overcome the difficulties.
Facts have repeatedly proved that maintaining and developing friendly and mutual beneficial cooperation between China and Sri Lanka is conducive to the development of our two countries, conforms to the fundamental interests of the two peoples, embodies the painstaking efforts of successive leaders of the two countries and the common aspiration of the two peoples.
In more than 10 days’ time, the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China will be convened. The congress will comprehensively and systematically summarize the historical achievements of the past 5 years, scientifically plan the development goals, tasks, major policies and policies for the next five years and beyond. It will definitely have great and far reaching significance for China and the world in the future.
The Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries will never forget those old friends and good friends who have made outstand-
ing contributions to the promotion of China Sri Lanka friendship over the past decades. We are very sympathetic to the temporary difficulties faced by Sri Lankan friends. However, we are confident that Sri Lanka will achieve development and revitalization by giving full play to your regional advantages, natural resources and human resources. We are willing to share with Sri Lanka unreservedly China's experience in reform and opening up and poverty reduction development, provide help to Sri Lankan friends to overcome difficulties, and support Sri Lanka to achieve independent and sustainable development and completely get rid of poverty.
The CPAFFC is willing to work with friends from all walks of life in Sri Lanka, to uphold the spirit of the Rubber Rice Pact, actively promote friendly exchanges between local governments, friendly organizations, friendly personages, think tanks, media, youth and other non governmental areas of the two countries, promote mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, science and technology, culture, education, capacity building and other fields, and contribute wisdom and strength in pushing forward the China Sri Lanka strategic cooperative partnership featuring sincere mutual assistance and everlasting friendship to a new level.
I look forward to leading a delegation to visit Sri Lanka at an early date. At the same to time, we warmly welcome all friends in Sri Lanka to visit China at an appropriate time. Let us work together to create a better future for China Sri Lanka relations!
We are very sympathetic to the temporary….
