Nelum Pokuna (Lotus Pond) Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre:

Blossoming Sino- Lanka friendship

Mahinda Prasad Pathirana and P.H.G. Premasiri

When we look back on our past and in the present context too, we are indeed convinced that the great country China has been closely linked with all Sri Lankan lives. This nexus with Sri Lanka dating back to centuries has been developed on several fronts such as nation, religion, socio-culture, economy and folklore. It is, no doubt, still vivid in our memory how we as toddlers made a dash for safety when Chinese fire crackers exploded with a loud noise.

We are quite aware how we in our prime of youth were fascinated by the Chinese traditional art of self-defence colloquially called 'Cheenaadi'. Those amongst us who had mastered this art of self-defence were naturally looked upon with awe and respect by the others. We are equally aware that there were also Chinese dental technicians doing a lucrative business in almost every township in the country. The Peking Hotel in the city of Colombo was virtually a reminder of this great country. Scattered throughout the country even today are Chinese restaurants decked with a variety of multi-coloured bulbs and pictures of dragons, etc.

Nelum Pokuna (Lotus Pond) Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre. Picture by Sudath Silva

In the bygone days it was almost a nerve-racking experience to join the elders on their visit to a Chinese circus. To Sri Lankans, it has always been an unnerving experience to witness a Chinese circus. The Great Wall of China was then called one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Many are the tales woven around this man made massive structure.

We have read very often of Chinese dynasties and numerous tales of their military prowess. We are constantly reminded of the vastness of the country and its huge population and the fact that China happened to be the county with the largest number of languages in use. We have also read many a book on Chinese architecture, Confucianism, Chinese Buddhism, Chinese Folktales and Chiang Kai Shek, the then ruler of the country.

Archaeological evidence

The age-old trade links we have had with China are confirmed by many archaeological evidence discovered in close proximity to cities and old seaports and those that are now being unearthed. There is historical evidence of the visits of Chinese traders, Royal Emissaries and political explorers of the standing of Fa-Hian and Heyang Zang to this country. Their reports have also formed part of our historical sources. Records of these explorers speak volumes about the close linkage our country has had with China. We have had close contact with China during the period of the ancient Silk Road that passed through China. Both countries interacted closely even previously crossing Himalaya mountain range. Why these two countries have had such close ties is a subject that merits detailed discussion. It will surely be a saga of international relevance.

Mao Tse-Tung, Founder of modern China, was an inspirational world leader who was held in high esteem by the people of Sri Lanka. Mao's sayings, analyses and excerpts from his writings have been of particular appeal to Sri Lankans who have a yearning for a sociology-political change. Mao Tse-Tung’s historic long march, the revolution, the Communist China, the Chinese cultural revolution, Chinese collective farms, Chinese labour intensive industries, building new China and many other factors had made him a most popular and respected figure among our people. Mao’s costume has been adapted by some of our leaders as well. We have also heard of barefooted doctors in China who walk barefoot in villages throughout the country and of their exemplary conduct in attending to the sick. The Chinese system of medicine as well as the Chinese acupuncture are highly popular in Sri Lanka as our own indigenous systems of medicine.

Economic system

China is potentially a world superpower. In time to come it will be economically the most powerful country in the world. We look forward to hearing this heartening news with boundless enthusiasm. Present China has successfully put in place a new economic system for the world. We still gratefully remember how China helped us out even in the past through the China-Sri Lanka Rubber - Rice Agreement.

During the administration of late Prime Minister S W R D Bandaranaike closer bilateral links were forged between the two countries and we recollect with gratitude the generous offer of assistance to this country by former Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai who visited Sri Lanka. There are still monuments to the great understanding our country had with China during the administration of former Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike. We are greatly inspired by the Chinese traditions of dancing and the dragon dance is already a part of our cultural tradition.

The Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall built by China as a token of friendship is symbolic of the friendly relations and understanding between the two countries. The Superior Courts Complex also symbolically represents Sino-Lanka friendship. The newly - constructed Hambantota harbour will usher in a new era for Sri Lanka.

This represents just a small portion of the assistance China had liberally offered us. Additionally, China has also granted us much more assistance financially, institutionally, materially, culturally as well as ideologically. This great country had thus stood by us faithfully as a friend over the past centuries.

The Sri Lankan nation will ever be grateful to your country for the generous assistance granted in successfully fighting and defeating ruthless terrorism that plagued this country for over three decades. During the administration of President Mahinda Rajapaksa China - Sri Lanka friendship has reached a peak level.

When both national and international elements who are opposed to Sri Lanka joined forces in their attempt to destabilize our country, it was your great country who came forward openly in our defence. When you are thus supportive of us in our struggle against all sinister forces we feel fully confident because we could depend on you.

Having defeated terrorism we are now engaged in fighting the war on the economic front. We are greatly inspired by your friendship which is truly a source of strength and confidence-building to us. You are indeed a guide to us. Being ever watchful as is an elderly brother to us.

Social justice

We recollect with gratitude the fact that all successive leaders of the People's Republic of China including Chairman Mao Tse-Tung have extended their hand of fraternal friendship to this country especially whenever progressive governments held the reins of power. Current leader of the Republic of China Hu Jintao as well as all other leaders of China have been particularly faithful to the President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the people of Sri Lanka.

Furthermore, China has invisibly paved the way for a great change in the pattern of our own thinking. This way of thinking has largely influenced us in getting up on our own feet and to develop unfettered thinking. The socio-economic vision of China has led to many novel interpretations of imperialism, capitalism, neo-colonialism in the society and also influenced the creation of novel attitudes on social justice. The Lotus remains the most respected and venerated flower in our cultural setting. You have indeed built and gifted to us a replica of the Lotus Pond that adorned the city of Pulasthipura in ancient Sri Lanka. May thousands of flowers bloom through this beautiful Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre!