Wednesday, 17th September 2014
Chaminda Perera
Chinese President Xi Jinping was accorded a rousing welcome on his arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport last morning.
Traditional drummers and dancers and a bevy of girls in traditional costumes performed as the special Air China flight carrying President Xi Jinpiing touched down at around 11.40 a.m. yesterday.
The sounds of traditional drums filled the air, exuding an atmosphere of warmth and friendship, as the Chinese President along with First Lady Peng Liyuan came down the gangway to the cheering of thousands who thronged the airport and its perimeter to get a glimpse of the leader of one the world’s leading super powers.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan were received by President Mahinda Rajapaksa and First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa on the tarmac. Later, they were escorted to the VIP lounge where the Chinese President signed the Guest Book.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan were received by President Mahinda Rajapaksa and First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa on the tarmac. Later, they were escorted to the VIP lounge where the Chinese President signed the Guest Book.
Hundreds of traditional dancers were seen performing as the Chinese delegation led by President Xi Jinping went past them.
The Chinese President and the First Lady acknowledged the dancers and the large number of schoolchildren who waved the national flags of the two countries.
President Rajapaksa introduced the Sri Lankan delegation in attendance including the Sri Lankan ambassador in Beijing Ranjith Uyangoda to his Chinese counterpart.
Traditional dancers representing various dancing traditions of the country lined up leading to the entrance of the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway to greet the Chinese President and his delegation.
Elephants bedecked in colourful costumes stood by as the motorcade carrying the Chinese President headed for Colombo.
From : http://www.dailynews.lk/?q=local/rousing-welcome-chinese-leader-delegation
