In commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between  China and Sri Lanka, “China and Sri Lanka in the Eyes of Photographers" photo exhibition in Colombo opened in  University of Visual and Performing Arts in Colombo. The exhibition, which was aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and friendship and advocating the One Belt One Road Initiative, was co-hosted by CPAFFC together with Sri Lanka-China Society. Vice President of CPAFFC, Mr. Hu Sishe attended the opening ceremony  together with other delegation members.

Mr. Arjuna Ranatunga, Minister of Petroleum Resources Development of Sri Lanka, Mr. Yi Xianliang, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mr. Amaradasa Gunawardana, President of Sri Lanka-China Society,   Mr. Indrananda Abesekara, President of Association for Sri Lanka-China Social and Cultural Cooperation and representatives from other  friendship associations attended the opening ceremony.

Lighting Oil Lamps to Celebrate the Opening Ceremony

Mr. Hu pointed out in his speech that  since we established diplomatic relations, we have made tremendous achievements in the fields of politics, economics, trades, society, culture, etc. in the past 60 years. The strategic partnership of cooperation between the two countries which features sincere mutual assistance and everlasting friendship radiates new vitality. The 140 photos on exhibition here represent not only the diligence and intelligence of the four photographers, but also a perfect combination of the artistic features and documentary functions of photography. Their works will definitely enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples and deepen our traditional friendship.

Vice President of CPAFFC, Mr. Hu Sishe Delivered A Speech

Mr. Yi Xianliang, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka said in his speech that the history of our friendship dated back to ancient times. As early as 1600 years ago, the famous monk in China's East Jin Dynasty studied Buddhism in Sri Lanka and brought it back to China. He is not only a famous monk but also an envoy and witness of the two countries' friendship. Mr. Yi Xianliang held that despite our difference in population and territory, the two countries have been supporting and advancing each other on the international arena in the principle of mutual respect. He believed that the 140 photos on exhibition will surely propel mutual understanding and friendship between us.

Mr. Yi Xianliang, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Gave A Speech

Mr. Amaradasa Gunawardana, President of Sri Lanka-China  Society said in his speech that the two countries had a history of friendship as long as 2000 years. Founded in 1981, Sri Lanka-China Society has been in a close relationship with CPAFFC since the very beginning. In the past 36 years, we have co-hosted the Chinese Characters Exhibition, Chinese Folk Art Exhibition and other cultural exchange activities. The photo exhibition today will serve as a good example of our excellent cooperation. He believed that in the future, we will give impetus to the cause of bilateral friendship with rich cultural activities.

 Mr. Hu Gave President of Sri Lanka-China Society the Photo Album As a Gift

“China and Sri Lanka in the Eyes of Photographers" photography exchanges activity was launched in this May. The exhibition places include Pingyao in China's Shanxi Province, Colombo in Sri Lanka and Hangzhou in China's Zhejiang Province. As agreed by the two sides, CPAFFC together with Sri Lanka-China Society will extend the influence of the photography program to make it a comprehensive platform of exchanges, which include seminars on Sino-Sri Lanka relations, photography workshops, exhibitions, and performances. By doing so, the mutual understanding and friendship of the two peoples will reach a new level.