Minister of Youth & Sports Namal Rajapaksa, was elected as the new President of the Sri Lanka-China Parliamentary Friendship Association today (22).

The appointment was made at the revival meeting of the Sri Lanka – China Parliamentary Friendship Association chaired by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena in Parliament.

Member of Parliament Premnath C. Dolawaththa was appointed as the Secretary to the Sri Lanka – China Parliamentary Friendship Association. The Secretary General of Parliament Mr. Dhammika Dasanayake and H.E Ambassador Qi Zhenhong was present at the meeting held for the purpose of the revival of friendship between the two countries.

While (Dr.) Upul Galappaththi, Aravindh Kumar and Selvam Adaikalanathan were elected as the Deputy Chairmen, Mohomad Muzammil was elected as the Deputy Secretary and Ishak Rahuman was elected as the Treasurer.

Speaking on the occasion, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said that relations between Sri Lanka and China date back to 206 BC and since the establishment of official diplomatic relations in 1957, there has been a very deep and diverse relationship between the two countries.

The Speaker appreciated the strong support extended by the Chinese Government to Sri Lanka to protect herself from COVID-19 and also stated that China is the primary source of protection of Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves.

The Speaker said that the visits between the two countries had helped strengthen bilateral relations, citing the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Sri Lanka in 2014 and the visit of former President and current Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to China.

The Speaker, while tanking the Government of China for the educational tours extended to Sri Lankan Members of Parliament and Parliamentary Staff during the 8th Parliament stated that as Member of Parliament in 2016, he too had the opportunity to visit China as a part of such delegation.

Addressing the gathering, H.E the Chinese Ambassador extended his warmest congratulations on the re-establishment of the Sri Lanka-China Parliamentary Friendship Association. He said this would further strengthen bilateral ties and that China was ready to extend further support to Sri Lanka.(Parliament)