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China pledges to work hand in hand with Sri Lanka as it prepares to embark on its 15th Five–year Plan
Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong on Tuesday underscored China’s commitment to innovation, openness, and shared development under its upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan, saying the new phase would further strengthen cooperation with Sri Lanka and the wider world.
Delivering the keynote address at the Marino Beach Hotel, Ambassador Qi said the recently concluded Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China had adopted recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan, which will guide China’s economic and social development in the years ahead.
He noted that since its first Five-Year Plan in 1953, China had risen from an impoverished agricultural country to the world’s second-largest economy, achieving “two miracles rarely seen in the world—rapid growth and long-term stability.” The next plan, he said, would be “a key link between the past and the future” as China works toward achieving socialist modernization by 2035.
Highlighting three major themes, Qi said innovation would remain the primary driver of growth, with China aiming to strengthen emerging technologies such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, 6G, and biomedicine. He also pledged that China’s doors would open even wider, with deeper trade and investment reform and continued support for Belt and Road cooperation.
Emphasizing shared prosperity, the envoy said China’s development would “create more opportunities for global growth,” reaffirming Beijing’s commitment to inclusivity and mutual benefit.
Ambassador Qi also reaffirmed Beijing’s readiness to align its strategies with Sri Lanka’s development vision, noting synergies with initiatives such as “Clean Sri Lanka,” “Digital Sri Lanka,” and “Rural Development.”
“China stands ready to work hand in hand with Sri Lanka,” he said, “to build a community with a shared future and bring brighter prospects for both nations.”
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 12 April 2026, valid for 13 April 2026.
Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from 05th to 15th of April in this year.
The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (13th) are Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon.
The Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) TAIMUR and ASLAT arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 12 Apr 26.
The visiting ships were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in
compliance with naval traditions.
The duo of ships is commanded by Captain NIAMAT SAEED KHAN (PNS TAIMUR) and Captain NADIR MATEEN AFRIDI (PNS ASLAT).
Meanwhile, the ships are expected to conduct a Bilateral Naval Exercise LION STAR V with the Sri Lanka Navy in Colombo seas.
Heat Index at Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North-western provinces.
Sun directly overhead Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon
PNS TAIMUR & ASLAT arrive in Colombo
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