COLOMBO — China's ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, used a reception marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China to defend Beijing's political system, promote its global development agenda, and signal deeper engagement with Sri Lanka's political parties under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Addressing politicians from across Sri Lanka's political spectrum, diplomats and government officials, Mr. Qi said the Communist Party of China had transformed the country through poverty reduction, economic growth, and technological innovation, while portraying China as a force for global stability and development.
"The leadership of the CPC is the choice of history, and more importantly, the choice of the people," Mr. Qi said, describing the party's rule as the foundation of China's modernization and national rejuvenation.
The ambassador linked China's domestic achievements to its expanding international role, highlighting the Belt and Road Initiative and Beijing's Global Development, Global Security, Global Civilization, and Global Governance initiatives. He said the proposals had been embraced by nearly 160 countries and international organizations and demonstrated China's commitment to peace, development, and international cooperation.
Mr. Qi also emphasized growing ties with Sri Lanka following recent high-level exchanges between Beijing and Colombo, saying the meeting between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had "mapped out a new blueprint" for bilateral relations.
He said relations between the Communist Party of China and Sri Lanka's political parties would remain a key pillar of the broader partnership. Beijing, he said, was prepared to expand exchanges on governance, poverty alleviation, digital-city development, and people-to-people cooperation while adhering to the principles of mutual respect, equality, and non-interference in internal affairs.
The reception brought together representatives of Sri Lanka's major political parties, including Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna General Secretary Tilvin Silva, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam, United National Party Chairman Wajira Abeywardena, and Communist Party of Sri Lanka General Secretary G. Weerasinghe, alongside ministers, lawmakers, and members of the diplomatic corps.
Mr. Qi also echoed Beijing's broader foreign policy message, arguing that the world faced unprecedented changes requiring greater international solidarity.
"To walk with China is to walk with opportunities; to believe in China is to believe in tomorrow; to invest in China is to invest in the future," he said.
He concluded by calling for closer cooperation between China and countries around the world to promote what he described as lasting peace, common prosperity, and a "community with a shared future for humanity."
