China and Sri Lanka firming mutual ties

A correspondent

It was the tail end of yet another harsh Beijing winter. On March 5, the Convention |Hall of the China World Hotel was being prepared for a gala evening to celebrate an event very significant to two close allies.

The function, that was expected to witness a high profile gathering of top state officials, members of the diplomatic corps based in China's commercial capital, leaders representing the business community and social strata, was to celebrate 55 fruitful years of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and China. It was appropriately titled 'Refreshingly Sri Lanka'.

Mesmerising performances

An ally of unprecedented strength, China - the Asian Tiger - had always stood by Sri Lanka in both good times and bad. Since the official commencement of diplomatic ties in 1957 both countries have benefited immensely from each other in all areas of mutual interest. In fact, Sri Lanka and China entered into trade related agreements even before the formalization of the relations, an example being the Rubber-Rice Pact signed in 1952.

The enthusiasm to participate in the event was such that invited guests arrived long before 7.00 p.m., the official opening time and the hall was packed to capacity before long. There was another logical reason for being early - Beijing's notoriety for unprecedented traffic jams. It was a 'happening' night. Mesmerising performances by the Channa Upuli Performing Arts Foundation and the primary school of Beijing capped a memorable night. Lankan delicacies and dishes that tantalize your taste buds and representing all ethnicities and sub cultures of the country were in store to pamper the guests and to give them an insight into the culture and traditions of Sri Lanka.

The evening began with a rhythmic sound of drum beats by Visharadha Jananath Warakagoda performers clad in traditional Kandyan attire. Ushered by them, the chief guests, Chinese Minister of Industrial and Information Technology Miao Wei, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Fu Ying and Madam Rajapaksa arrived at the Convention Hall.

In the welcome speech that followed, Sri Lankan Ambassador to China Ranjith Uayangoda said, "Sri Lanka and China had already inherited a century's old relationship with exchanges in the political, economic, social and cultural spheres as we formalized our relations in 1957. "

Historic relations

"Beginning from Chinese monk Venerable Fa-Xian's explorations in Sri Lanka 1500 years ago, reports speak of a Chinese navigator Admiral Zheng visiting Sri Lanka six times during the Ming Dynasty from 1368 - 1644 for promoting trade, commerce and tourism between the two countries."

He said these speak of strong and historic relations the two countries shared over the centuries.

In view of the anniversary celebrations the "Embassy News", "Lookwe Magazine" and "the International Business Daily" published by the Ministry of Commerce of China dedicated exclusive editions to write about Sri Lanka and the close ties between the two allies.

Following the nitty gritties of the official opening - singing of national anthems, lighting of oil lamp and the speeches - the floor was open for the dance performances, the first of which was the inspiring 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean' performance by the Channa-Upuli troupe.

The Lankan dances and the Chinese children enthralled the audience by their skillfull performances and rythmatic movements on the stage. The guests were equally spellbound by the exquisitely prepared Lankan cuisine served on the table from time to time.

Investment hub

A Raban dance, a fishermen dance and a performance to the song 'Sandapana' by the Lankan troupe captured the Chinese audience in particular. They were all seen glued to the stage with their gaze and seeking help from their Lankan friends to get an idea as to what the songs meant. The Defence Secretary who was one of the last to leave the Hall and the Chinese Minister were seen chatting to each other and the guests till the entire performance came to an end.

The Sri Lankan embassy by organizing the event aspired to showcase the potential of Sri Lanka as a tourist and an investment hub among the Chinese business community and find a market for Sri Lanka's new and traditional products in China. "We are trying to lessen the trade gap, China is obviously ahead of us and as a true friend of Sri Lanka, the Chinese government is showing us the path to do this," Ambassador Uyangoda said.

Three guests to the banquet received air tickets courtesy Sri Lankan airlines for a three day tour in Sri Lanka.

The ceremony was one segment of the celebrations organised by the Beijing Sri Lanka mission to mark 55th anniversary of bi-lateral ties.

The Embassy in collaboration with the China World Hotel organized a week long food festival from March 6 onwards. A photo exhibition depicting the history of bilateral relations was organised by the Beijing Friendship Association for Foreign countries at their Conference Hall.