The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Presidential Secretariat and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau organized the Ella Odyssey, a familiarization tour of Nuwara Eliya and Ella for foreign heads of mission in Colombo, and nine heads of mission based in New Delhi who presented credentials to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Ella Odyssey is part of Sri Lanka’s commemoration of 75 years of independence and 75 years of diplomacy – testament to the country’s enduring engagement with the international community.
This journey to the mesmerizing ‘tea country’ in the mountains of Sri Lanka took place from 1 – 3 July 2023.
The foreign heads of mission undertook a journey on board the Viceroy Special – a vintage train reminiscent of the country’s colonial past. The diplomatic envoys forayed into the country’s cool highlands – past Kandy to Nuwara Eliya en route to Ella – to experience Sri Lanka’s verdant beauty, hospitality and adventure tucked away in the lush and misty mountainous landscapes in the country’s interior, passing along the way the gushing waters of St. Clair’s Falls, the biodiverse Knuckles Range and Pattipola, home to Sri Lanka’s highest railway station. The passengers also witnessed a railway signaling routine from the bygone era, still meticulously adhered to on the country’s tracks – the Tyer’s Tablet System.
Those on board were able to feast their eyes on the changing panorama of the scenic route, including the engineering marvel that is the Nine-Arch Bridge in Ella, a railway viaduct that was built in the 20th century, and the turbanesque Demodara Loop.
Legendary Sri Lankan hospitality awaited the travellers at the Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya, a national heritage building, steeped in colonial history and grandeur. The Pedro Tea Estate welcomed the visitors to a tasting of one of the world’s finest beverages – Ceylon tea.
The heads of mission also had the opportunity to call on President Wickremesinghe and First Lady Maithree Wickramasinghe at the official residence of the President in Nuwara Eliya.
Costs associated with the tour were borne by participating foreign heads of mission, and through sponsorship by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.
The excursion to the hill country commemorates 75 years of constructive partnership with the international community and highlighted the country’s treasure trove of diverse and exciting possibilities for the travel enthusiast. It also highlighted the country’s return to stability, its excellent connectivity and open and friendly people.
The Chinese embassy in Colombo reached another step in providing scholarships for children from low-income families.
Accordingly, Chinese Ambassador Scholarships for 100 students at the Badulla Keppitipola Maha Vidyalaya (National School) was handed over on Nov. 01, with the embassy pledging Rs. 2.5 million for the cause.
Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador – Mr. Qi Zhenhong said that the scholarship programme, which began in 2016, is now active in over 20 schools across Sri Lanka.
Noting that China donated 70% of the required school uniform material for Sri Lankan students in 2023, and 80% in 2024, the ambassador said that they hope to provide the full requirement of school uniform materiel for the 2025 academic year.
“In the 2025 academic year, we will donate 100% of the fabric for school uniforms, totaling 11.82 million meters, worth approximately 5.2 billion rupees, which will be shipped to Colombo in three batches before the end of this year,” he said.
The ambassador added : “In addition, the Chinese government, local governments, and non-governmental organizations have donated schoolbags, stationery, and other learning materials to thousands of students in remote areas, and plan to build 900 smart classrooms in 500 schools across Sri Lanka in the next few years, benefiting over 1 million students.”
Ambassador Qi expressed that China is not only a true friend but also a reliable partner of Sri Lanka, which is moving towards a new era under the strong leadership of current President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Embassy staff, Uva Province Education officials as well as students, staff and alumni of the school attended the event.
High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka – Mr. Santosh Jha has handed over a package of development assistance to the fishing community of Trincomalee, Eastern Province on Nov. 03, 2024, at an event held at Trincomalee Fishermen’s Trade Union. The assistance, extended at the request of fishermen from Trincomalee Fishermen Trade Union which includes 21 fishermen associations from the District, consisted of a 40 HP boat engine, 3 deep freezers, and life jackets. While the deep freezers would ensure that the catch remains fresh, thus contributing to augmenting the incomes of the fishermen, the engine and life jackets will help provide critical support to rescue fishermen and boats that get stranded or capsize at sea.
Speaking at the event the High Commissioner commended the fishermen for their resilience, hard work and enduring contributions to their communities. He highlighted the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka, united by the Indian Ocean.
He stressed that India understands the importance of the fishing industry to Sri Lanka and underscored that the assistance from the Government of India aims to enhance both the safety and efficiency of their daily operations.
The Chinese embassy in Sri Lanka held the 2024 China Aid Training Alumni Reception in Colombo yesterday (Oct. 30). The event was attended by alumni from several training programs offered by China during the year.
Addressing the gathering, Chinese ambassador in Colombo – Mr. Qi Zhenhong said that “over the years, it has used foreign aid funds to hold various training programs in China, inviting nearly 13,000 Sri Lankan friends of various circles to participate in seminars in China.”
“In the new year, the Chinese government will fully consider the development needs of the new Sri Lankan government, improve the pertinence and effectiveness of training programs, and welcome more participants to visit and study in China,” he added.
Secretary to the Treasury – Mr. Mahinda Siriwardena, who was the chief guest of the event expressed his thanks to the Chinese government for the training opportunities, the aid during economic challenges, while also being instrumental in the development of Sri Lanka. He also thanked China for their role in the debt restructuring process.
“We all know how complex and technically challenging this debt treatment process has been, both in terms of ensuring compatibility with the IMF’s Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) as well as ensuring Comparability of Treatment with other creditors. This was possible with Chinese lenders, given the mutual trust and good faith demonstrated by both sides. Sri Lanka hopes that the debt treatment chapter will soon be closed, and we can resume a robust financial relationship, including fresh financing for high quality, priority projects,” he said.
The event also showcased several Wushu demonstrations and entertainment events.