The opening gala of the 2026 "Happy
Chinese New Year" cultural events in Sri Lanka was held Tuesday at Nelum
Pokuna Theatre in Colombo, marking the beginning of a series of celebrations
ahead of the traditional Chinese holiday.
Co-hosted by the
Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China and the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka,
the gala notably features artists and performers from Dali Bai Autonomous
Prefecture in southwest China's Yunnan Province. The art troupe presented the
audience with authentic Bai ethnic performances, including songs, dancing, and
musical performances with traditional instruments.
The gala was
attended by an audience of around 1,200, including Sri Lankan Parliament
Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong,
senior officials of the Sri Lankan government, as well as Chinese nationals in
Sri Lanka and the local public.
Addressing the event, Chinese Ambassador Qi, said the following,
Hon.
JagathWickramaratne,
Speaker
of the Parliament of Sri Lanka.
Distinguished
Guests,
Ladies and
Gentlemen,Friends,
Good evening!
As the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Horse
approaches on February 16, we gather here at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre, a symbol
of China-Sri Lanka friendship, to jointly inaugurate the 2026 "Happy
Chinese New Year" celebrations. First, on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in
Sri Lanka, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to all the
distinguished guests present and our sincere
gratitude to all the co-organizers for their strong support. I also wish to convey the most heartfelt New Year
greetings to friends from all walks of life in Sri Lanka and to all Chinese
compatriots residing here!
The Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival,
is the most significant and cherished traditional festival for the Chinese
nation. It embodies the cultural values of family reunion, harmony, renewal,
and the ushering in of good fortune. No matter where they are, returning home
for a family reunion during the New Year remains the deepest emotional bond for
hundreds of millions of Chinese. It is heartening to see that the Spring Festival,
with its unique charm, is increasingly embraced by the world. Since its
inscription last year on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible
Cultural Heritage of Humanity, this ancient tradition has gained wider global
recognition. It serves not only as a window for the world to understand China
but also as a bridge fostering global civilization dialogue and mutual
learning. The ‘Happy Chinese New Year’ cultural activities have taken root in over 100 countries
and regions worldwide. The ethos of "Joy, Harmony, and Sharing" it
promotes transcends language and borders, allowing people everywhere to feel
the joy and warmth of spring.
China and Sri Lanka are good neighbors and
reliable partners who stand together through thick and thin. Our friendship,
with a history spanning millennia, remains evergreen and strong. Our bilateral
relations, built on a foundation of mutual respect, equality, and mutual
benefit, have stood the test of time and the changing international landscape,
maintaining steady and forward-looking development. The practical cooperation
and close people-to-people exchanges between our two countries in various
fields, like a pair of steeds galloping side by side, continue to deliver
tangible benefits to our peoples and inject positive energy into regional peace
and prosperity.
People-to-people and cultural exchanges are the
bond that connects hearts and minds. Yunnan, whose name means ‘South of the Colorful Clouds’ is a land in China blessed with diverse ethnic
cultures and stunning landscapes. Dali in Yunnan is particularly renowned for
its poetic scenery captured in the phrase "Wind, Flower, Snow and
Moon" and its unique Bai ethnic culture. Tonight, outstanding artists from
the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture will present a wonderful performance that
blends the cultural flavors of the Bai people with classic Chinese arts. You
will enjoy the beautiful melody of "By the Butterfly Spring," which
originates from the region of the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake; appreciate
the subtle and profound Eastern aesthetics expressed in the dance "Flowing
Stream"; and feel the vibrant rhythm of the "Octagonal Drum and the
Rattle Stick." I believe this performance will serve as another vivid
snapshot of the cultural exchange and mutual learning between China and Sri
Lanka.
Friends, we are about to welcome the Chinese
Lunar Year of the Horse. In Chinese culture, the horse symbolizes galloping
momentum, endeavor, loyalty, and success. The term "the spirit of the
dragon-horse" is often used to praise a tenacious and indefatigable
positive attitude. This resonates well with the diligent, courageous,
optimistic, and upward spirit of the Sri Lankan people. I sincerely hope that
in the galloping Year of the Horse 2026, both China and Sri Lanka will forge ahead
and achieve new and greater accomplishments on their paths of national
development and rejuvenation! May the friendship and cooperation between our
two peoples surge forward like steeds, with a future as boundless as a
thousand-mile journey!
Finally, I wish the 2026 ‘Happy Chinese New Year’events in Sri Lanka a complete success! Wish you
all good
health, family happiness, and all the best in the New Year!
Thank you!