The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy Sail Training Warship ‘PO LANG’ arrived at the port of Colombo on a formal visit this morning (Oct. 08).

The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with naval traditions.
‘PO LANG’ is a 86-meter-long Sail Training Vessel crewed by 130 personnel including 35 Officer Cadets.

Meanwhile, the Commanding Officer of the ship, Commander Ma Wenyong is scheduled to call on the Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Chinthaka Kumarasinghe at the Western Naval Command Headquarters today. 

To strengthen the camaraderie between the two navies, crew members of the ship are set to participate in a series of programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy.
In addition crew members of the ship will explore some of the tourist attractions of the country, during their stay in Colombo. Additionally, Sri Lanka Navy personnel will have the opportunity to participate in briefings on the operational functions of the ships as well.

Concluding the formal visit, ‘PO LANG’ will depart the island on 11th October.

(Pics – navy.lk)

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Commemorating 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka – Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka – Mr. Santosh Jha paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi by garlanding his bust at Prime Minister’s Office in Colombo today (Oct. 02).

Following the ceremony, the High Commissioner called on the Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
The bust was a gift from India in 2019, commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The 42 inches-tall bronze bust of Gandhiji in meditative pose was sculpted by Padma Bhushan Awardee Ram Vanji Sutar. Sutar also has to his credit the world’s tallest bronze statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Kevadiya, Gujarat.

Later in the day, a Gandhi Oration will be organized by the Sri Lanka India Society (SLIS) in collaboration with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, the cultural arm of the High Commission of India in Colombo. 

The oration will be delivered by Mr. Austin Fernando, former High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India. 

As an annual event of SLIS marking Gandhi Jayanti, it has served as a platform for reflecting on Mahatma Gandhi’s timeless teachings and their continued relevance in today’s world.

Newly sworn in Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka – Vijitha Herath has reassured the ‘One China’ policy is firmly embedded in the foreign policy of Sri Lanka.

“The One China Policy is firmly embedded in our foreign policy both bilaterally and on multilateral fora,” he said yesterday (Sep. 25) while addressing a reception in Colombo marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

He also said that Sri Lanka also deeply appreciates the continuous exchanges between the two countries, the assistance Sri Lanka received during the economic crisis, the projects completed under the Belt and Road initiative as well as the assistance extended by Chinese financial institutions in the ongoing debt restructuring process.

As we continue to deal with the challenges of economic recovery, Sri Lanka seeks China’s solidarity, support and continued partnership for the economic recovery process, he added.

Addressing the gathering, Chinese ambassador to Sri Lanka – Mr. Qi Zhenhong said : “History has proven that no matter how the international situation changes or whether facing traditional or non-traditional threats, the Chinese government and people always stand firmly with the Sri Lankan government and people. China remains a trustworthy friend and reliable partner to Sri Lanka. Facts have repeatedly shown that the closer and deeper the cooperation between China and Sri Lanka, the more capable Sri Lanka will be in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, development and dignity, and in playing a bigger role in regional and international affairs.”

“The people of Sri Lanka have now entered a new era and are writing a new chapter of their history. I firmly believe that, with the support and assistance from China and other friendly countries, and under the strong leadership of H.E. President Dissanayake, the diligent, intelligent, and heroic people of Sri Lanka will definitely overcome all sorts of risks and challenges, fully recover from the current crisis, and revive national economy to achieve prosperity. Sri Lanka, as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”, will shine brighter,” he added.

The reception was attended by a host of dignitaries including diplomats, politicians and military personnel.