Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong says that many nations in the world, including China and Sri Lanka, are still suffering under the yoke of neo-colonialism and hegemonism.

Speaking during a visit to the Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya, AmbassadorQi said China firmly upholds international fair play and justice, advocates the practice of true multilateralism, takes a clear stand against all hegemonism and power politics, and unswervingly opposes any unilateralism, protectionism and bullying. History has revealed that the deeper the cooperation between China and Sri Lanka and the stronger the friendship goes, the safer Sri Lanka’s sovereign independence, stronger its economic and social development, and the more secure its unique civilization will be. Besides, other forces will deal with Sri Lanka in a more equal, respectful and reciprocal manner.

Ambassador Qi visited the Uva Province to distribute dry rations boxes, under the Faxian Charity Project, to 1,500 needy families from all communities.

Ambassador Qi joined the Mahanayake Thera of the Asgiri Chapter, the Most Ven. Warakagoda Gnanarathana, in the distribution of dry rations at the historic Muthiyangana Temple where 500 families, from all communities, received rations gifted by the Chinese Buddhism Association and temples. Dignitaries across the Uva Province also attended the ceremony with the Mahanayake Thera. Distribution ceremonies have also been arranged in the coming two days at the Boralanda Temple in Welimada and the Yudaganawa Temple in Buttala.

Ambassador Qi made a special visit to the remote town of Keppetipola to pay tribute at the Keppetipola Disawe’s statue.

Accompanied by local government officials, Bhikkhus and primary school students, Ambassador Qi laid wreaths at the statue of Keppetipola Disawe, with a ribbon saying Tribute to heroes who fought bravely for independence and freedom against colonization and invasion——by Embassy of China in Sri Lanka.”

Ambassador Qi said China would continually support Sri Lankan people fighting against all challenges, both domestic and external.

Qi said that the relations and Buddhist friendship between China and Sri Lanka has a history of more than two thousand years. The two peoples always learn from each other and help each other. Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 epidemic, especially after Sri Lanka faced the worst economic crisis since independence last year, China shares the difficulties encountered by Sri Lankan brothers and sisters, and the Chinese central government, local authorities, ministries and social organizations have extended a helping hand, providing all kinds of assistance, from vaccines to medicines, from rice to fuel, from school uniforms to school bags, etc., which have been warmly welcomed and widely praised by people of all walks of life in Sri Lanka. “As a good brother, good friend and good partner of Sri Lanka, no matter the past, present or future, no matter what difficulties and challenges you encounter, the Chinese people will always stand with you. We believe that Sri Lanka, with its long and unique civilization and indomitable spirit, with the history of having overcome countless foreign invasions, terrorism, tsunami and other disasters in its history, will certainly be able to overcome the current temporary economic difficulties.”

Ambassador Qi stressed that the people of Sri Lanka are an indomitable people and a heroic people. This year marks the 75th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s independence, and it is meaningful to visit the Uva Province where the first great rebellion against the brutal rule of the British colonialists took place about 200 years ago. We pay tribute to Keppetipola Disawa and others who led this rebellion for independence and freedom against colonization and invasion.