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China hosts appreciation reception for SL rescue mission of capsized Chinese vessel (Pics)

Published

11 months ago

June 7, 2023

editor

The Chinese embassy in Sri Lanka hosted an appreciation reception on Tuesday (June 06) to appreciate the Sri Lanka Navy divers who participated in the search and rescue operation of the capsized Chinese vessel – Lupeng Yuanyu 028.

Before the reception, a minute of silence for the victims of the tragedy was observed and a special video clip presented by the Sri Lankan Navy to introduce the heroic rescue mission was played.

During the event, 09 divers of the Sri Lanka Navy were felicitated for their bravery. Floral tributes were paid to Lieutenant Commander S.A.I.A Subhasinghe, Petty Officer K.P.A. Arunajith, Petty Officer E.M.D.A. Ekanayaka, Petty Officer D.D.N. Jayathissa, Leading Seaman H.D. Darshana, Leading Seaman N.M.C.L. Narayana, Able Seaman W.W.N.C. Sandaruwan, Able Seaman I.D.L.M. Dissanayaka, and Able Seaman R.S. Kumarage.

The event was attended by a host of distinguished guests including Chinese ambassador in Colombo – Qi Zhenhong, Chief of Staff and National Security Advisor to Sri Lanka’s President – Mr. Sagala Ratnayake, the Indonesian ambassador to Sri Lanka – Madam Dewi Gustina Tobing, the Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka – Mr. Paul Stephens, Minister of Transport and Mass Media – Mr. Bandula Gunawardena, State Minister of Defence – Mr. Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon, State Minister of Foreign Affairs – Mr. Tharaka Balasuriya, Chief of Defence Staff – Gen. Shavendra Silva, Commander of the Army – Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy – Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, the commanding officer and crew of the SLNS Vijayabahu, diplomats and media.

Speaking, the Chinese ambassador – Mr. Qi Zhenhong praised the SLNS Vijayabahu crew and pointed out that the Sri Lankan divers were the first to dive into the water and enter the hull at the risk of their lives. “The Chinese people and all the families of the crew members of the fishing boat will always remember this special friendship,” he said.

The ambassador also thanked the Sri Lankan President – Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe “for his decisive and timely decision to provide full assistance” and defence officials for their immediate response despite the long distance.

“I would like to thank all the countries and agencies involved in the search and rescue operation for their timely help. This is not only a joint action to fulfill international obligations, but also a glorious mission to demonstrate the spirit of international humanitarianism,” he added.

Addressing the gathering, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy – Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera said that this was the first ever diving operation by the Navy so far from Sri Lanka and that it was ‘truly an international effort. The incident had taken place in the Australian Search and Rescue region, the vessel involved was Chinese, the SLNS Vjayabahu was granted by the USA and almost 95% of the diving team had trained in India, he pointed out.

Adding a few words, Chief of Staff and National Security Advisor to Sri Lanka’s President – Mr. Sagala Ratnayake also commended the bravery of the SLNS Vijayabahu crew and also thanked the Chinese embassy not only for the felicitation of the divers, but for inviting the entire crew of the SLNS Vjayabahu vessel for the event.

“As far as our relations go with China, I hope this helps us to strengthen it. You have held us through many tough times, especially during the crisis that we’ve had,” he said.

Photo Story

75th Foundation Day of ICCR celebrated in Colombo (Pics)

Published

2 days ago

April 30, 2024

editor

The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, cultural arm of the High Commission of India, Colombo, commemorated the 75th Foundation Day of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) at the Viharamahadevi Park Open Air Theatre in Colombo on April 29, 2024.

The event unfolded with a vibrant showcase of Indian classical dances and musical performances, painting a tapestry of cultural harmony and universality.
High Commissioner of India H E Santosh Jha was joined by Minister of Education – Dr Susil Premajayantha as the Chief Guest and Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs – Vidura Wickramanayaka as the Guest of Honour in inaugurating the event. High Commissioner Jha in his address congratulated the ICCR family for being the pillar of India’s cultural diplomacy for 75 years and counting. Minister Premajayantha thanked ICCR for offering over 200 fully-funded scholarships annually for Sri Lankan students to pursue Under Graduate, Post Graduate and doctoral degrees in diverse subjects in more than 120 leading Universities and institutions of India.

On this occasion, High Commissioner jointly with the Minister of Education Dr Susil Premajayantha and the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Vidura Wickramanayaka felicitated the winners of the second edition of the Pratibha Sangam competitions. An initiative of ICCR to commemorate 75 years of Indian independence, Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, Pratibha Sangam (Confluence of Cultures) shines spotlight on the invaluable contributions of foreign nationals and overseas Indians to Indian classical art forms.

ICCR was founded in 1950 by India’s first Education Minister, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. The 75th Foundation Day of ICCR holds immense significance as it commemorates 75 glorious years of an institution that has been at the forefront of India’s cultural ties, fostering understanding, goodwill, and cooperation between India and the world. The ICCR centre in Sri Lanka, Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre under the aegis of High Commission of India has also completed 25 Years. Established as a testament to the enduring friendship between India and Sri Lanka, the Centre serves as a hub for cultural exchange, appreciation, and dialogue.

News

Uma Oya project launched (Video / Pics)

Published

1 week ago

April 24, 2024

editor

President of the Islamic Republic of Iran – Dr. Ebrahim Raisi and Sri Lankan President – Ranil Wickremesinghe have jointly inaugurated the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project (UOMDP) a short while ago.

This project is one of the largest irrigation projects in Sri Lanka following the Mahaweli Development Project.

Speaking at the event, Iran’s President Dr Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi emphasized Iran’s technical prowess and engineering expertise and highlighted that Iranian experts are currently involved in significant electricity and water projects across more than 20 countries.

“Today the Islamic Republic Of Iran, enjoys great technical and engineering skills and expertise, and in more than 20 countries, our experts are running great and big electricity and water projects,” he said.

He further noted that Iran stands ready to share its knowledge, expertise and experience with Sri Lanka for the progress and development of the country, including partnerships in large-scale projects.

Following the inauguration of the Uma Oya multipurpose development project, President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed gratitude to Iran for their technical support, emphasizing that without Iran’s assistance, Sri Lanka couldn’t have diverted the Uma Oya tributaries into Kirindi Oya. He highlighted the south’s desire to establish its identity & independence, suggesting that southern countries should now strive for their own strength and autonomy

(Video / Pics – PMD)