Hon.,
Distinguished
Guests,Friends from all walks of life,Fellow Compatriots,
Good
evening! Ayubowan! Vanakkam! Assalamu alaykum!
On
the occasion of the upcoming Year of the Horse, I am delighted to gather with
you all to ring out the old and usher in the new. On behalf of the Chinese
Embassy in Sri Lanka, I would like to extend festive greetings to all the
overseas Chinese, staff of Chinese companies and Chinese students in Sri Lanka.
I also wish to express sincere appreciation to friends from all walks of
lifewho have consistentlycared for and supported the growth of China-Sri Lanka
relations!
Among
all festivals, the Spring Festival holds the highest place. Among all seasons,
spring stands as the first. As the most ancient, grandand important traditional
festival in China, the Spring Festival represents the cultural roots and
emotional bonds of the Chinese people, embodies their devotion to family and
country, and conveys the values of peace, goodwilland harmony. Although
originating in China, the Spring Festival now belongs to the world. Having been
inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage
of Humanity, its global influence continues to grow. The Spring Festival is
increasingly becoming a window to showcase Chinese culture and a bridge for
cultural exchange and mutual learning among civilizations.
At
the juncture of history, there is always a scene of majestic variety. The year
2025marks the completion of the 14th Five-Year Plan and the formulation of the
15th Five-Year Plan, holding significant importance in the pursuit of Chinese
modernization. In the face of a complicated international landscape and the
challenging domestic tasks of advancing reform, promoting developmentand ensuring stability,
the CPC Central Committeewith Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has united the
entire party and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups and led them in overcoming
difficulties head-on and forging ahead with determination. Our endeavors have
etched an extraordinary chapter on the journey toward building a greatcountry
and advancing national rejuvenation.
Over
the past year, China, like a colossal ship, has navigated through the waves and
sailed steadily forward. China’s performance is impressive. The
momentum for stability in our economy has been reinforced, the stride of
progress has grown more vigorous, new driving forces of growth have been
fostered and expanded, and the resilience of the economy has become more
prominent. China’s GDP has exceeded 140 trillion yuan(USD 20 trillion) for the
first time. Major breakthroughs and significant advances have been achieved in
cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence and quantum technology. The
Tianwen-2 probe has embarked on its journey to explore outer space. China’s
first aircraft carrier equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system was
officially commissioned. The “Chinese artificial sun” has set a new world
record. The light of scientific and technological innovation has illuminated
the way for our journey forward. The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC
Central Committee was convened to chart a grand blueprint for continuously
advancing Chinese modernization. We solemnly commemorated the 80th anniversary
of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese
Aggression and theWorld Anti-Fascist War, demonstrating national grandeur and
military prowess, and pooling the strength to forge ahead.
Over
the past year, amidst a fast-changing international landscape, China has stayed
firmlyon the right course and upheld its responsibility. Profound
changesnot seen in a century are unfolding across the world at a faster pace,
the changes are intertwined with disturbances. Nevertheless, China has
consistently been a force for peace, stability and progress in the world. The
banner of building a community with a shared future for mankind has illuminated
the way forward, and the four Global Initiatives have provided a framework for
action to tackle global challenges. Both head-of-state and host-country
diplomacy have achieved fruitful results. China’s efforts for peace and dialogue
have contributed toeasing hotspot issues. All this has delivered valuable
stability and positive energy to the world. As a major engine of global growth,
China has continued to embrace the world with high-standard opening up. The
total volume of goods import and export have topped 45 trillion yuan. The
circle of friends inthe Belt and Road cooperation continues to expand.
Platforms such as the China International Import Expo, the China International
Fair for Trade in Services and others have provided opportunities for all
countries to shareChina’s development. With our strong impetus to the global
economy, China has written a splendid chapter of forging ahead in step with the
world and pursuing shared prosperity for all.
Over
the past year, China-Sri Lanka relations have carried forward past achievements
and entered anew phase of development.President Xi
Jinping and other leaders met with President Dissanayake and Prime Minister Amarasuriyaduring
their visits to China, reaching important consensus and fruitful outcomes of
cooperation. These interactions have provided new strategic guidance for the
growth of bilateral relations. The two sides have maintained close exchanges at
all levels. High-quality Belt and Road cooperation has delivered fruitful results.
Exchanges and cooperation in areas such as port economy, modern agriculture,
digital economy, cultureand tourism have remained vibrant. The Colombo Port
City and the Hambantota Port are thriving as key coastal hubs, injecting new
vitality into Sri Lanka, “the Pearl of the Indian Ocean”. Bridges of friendship
between our peoples have crossed mountains and seas and grown ever wider.
Chinese martial arts, tea cultureand films have won the hearts of the Sri
Lankan people. In the aftermath of the Cyclone Ditwah, China provided prompt
financial assistance and large quantities of supplies. China has donated school
uniform materials for four consecutive years and supported the implementation
of numerous livelihood projects across Sri Lanka. Our two peoples have thus
grown closer, hand in hand and heart to heart.
Over
the past year, our compatriots in Sri Lanka have worked hard in unity to
realize shared dreams. The robust progress in China-Sri Lanka
relations is inseparable from the dedicated efforts of our compatriots. Chinese
companies have overcome difficulties and shouldered significant
responsibilities, contributing to bilateral economic and trade cooperation.
Chinese teachers and students have promoted Chinese culture and told China’s
stories well. Overseas Chinese have remained deeply connected to their
roots, giving back to their homeland with sincerity and action. Everyone
present here has played an important role in deepening exchanges and
cooperation and enhancing the friendship between our two peoples. The Chinese
Embassy in Sri Lanka has also actively implemented the vision of
“people-centered diplomacy”, continuously improved the quality and efficiency
of consular services, and made every effort to address the concerns of our
compatriots. With dedication and compassion, we have worked to protect the
legitimaterights and interests of Chinese institutions and citizens in Sri
Lanka.
The
dream lofty, the journey long—bold strides will get us there. The year 2026
marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan. China is advancing with high
spirits toward the Second Centenary Goal of building a great modern socialist
country in all respects. Guided by the important consensus reached by the
leaders of bothcountries, the Chinese Embassy will set sail with full vigor,
spur ahead like a galloping steed, and spare no effort in advancing all-round
practical cooperation between China and Sri Lanka. We will contribute to
building a China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future and foster a
favorable environment for our compatriots to pursue their endeavors in Sri
Lanka.We will always uphold our diplomatic mission to serve the people, keep
the well-being and safety of our compatriots close to heart, and work
steadfastly to address practical matters, deliver tangible benefitsand resolve
difficulties—standing as your strong pillar of support. In the new year, we
hope all compatriots will unite in purpose, support one another, uphold the
positive image of Chinese people overseasand continue to serve as promoters of
China-Sri Lanka cooperation, communicators of Chinese culture, and builders of
people-to-people friendship.
As
the Golden Snake bids farewell to the old year, the Steed heralds a new spring.
In Chinese culture, the horse symbolizes perseverance, vitality and an
indomitable spirit. Let us invigorate the pioneering spirit, muster our
determination and drive, and turn our great vision into a splendid reality!
In
closing,
May
our great motherland prosper and thrive, enjoying peace and tranquility!
May
the friendship between China and Sri Lanka endure and flourish through the
ages!
Mayyou
all enjoy good health, smooth endeavors, family happinessand auspicious
blessings in the Year of the Horse!