Sri Lanka – China Economic, Educational and Cultural Association was inaugurated on 11 March 2023 at a meeting chaired by Ambassador Dr. Palitha Kohona, at the Embassy.  Sri Lankan businessmen, entrepreneurs, professionals and the student community in Beijing and nearby provinces attended the meeting.

This organization aims at facilitating greater connectivity between the government of Sri Lanka and Sri Lankans in China.  This Association will play a key role with the Embassy in promoting tourism, investment and market access for Sri Lankan products.

 Ambassador Dr. Palitha Kohona, in his remarks, highlighted the current economic situation in Sri Lanka and emphasized the need and the duty of overseas Sri Lankans to lend a helping hand in the recovery process.  He welcomed all Sri Lankans in China to assist in the efforts of the Embassy in achieving economic, tourism, investment and other goals.  He called on the students in particular to work with the local community to build bridges between China and Sri Lanka.  He encouraged all to learn the language and become familiar with the cultural manners.

The Office bearers of the organization elected include: Chairman Chiranjaya Udumullage, Secretary Jerry Adrian, Treasurer U. Darshika, Social Coordinator Ravimal Handuwala, and Student Representative Asela Prabhath.

The other office bearers elected were:  Vice Chairman Anura Banda, Assistant Secretary Trevor Adrian, Assistant Social Secretary Dinushi Weerasinghe, Assistant Treasurer Andrea Perera and Assistant Student Representative Sithumina Godewatta.