A diplomatic reception to commemorate the 78th National Independence Day of Sri Lanka was held on 9 February 2026 at Pudong Shangri-La Shanghai amidst a large gathering of distinguished guests, including Consul Generals and senior Government Officials from the Shanghai Municipality together with the Foreign Affairs Office, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), Bureau of China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai and in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui & Hunan Provinces.
Mr. Zhu Min, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government as the Chief Guest, His Excellency Majintha Jayesinghe, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to China who was Sri Lanka's first Consul General in Shanghai (2007) as the Guest of Honour along with Consul Generals representing more than 50 countries in Shanghai graced this historic occasion.
Welcoming the gathering of distinguished guests who got together to honour Sri Lanka at this momentous occasion, Consul General of Sri Lanka Pamoda Gooneratne stated that, Sri Lanka is embarking a new national journey entering into a new era in the post-independence. With the 78th Anniversary of Independence, the country is moving forward under the theme ‘Re-building Sri Lanka’, to re-build the country with the vision for a ‘renewed & sustainable country that re-built stronger as a collective effort of all people, resources & their ideas which are brought together in a transparent & fairer manner’.
With highly-cherished bilateral relationship since ancient times and marking 75 years of signing the landmark Rice - Rubber Agreement and 70 years of establishment of diplomatic relations in the coming year (2027), the Consul General thanked China for the solidarity, generosity & goodwill towards Sri Lanka. Further, the Consul General expressed hope in continuation relations with all those who represented, during Sri Lanka's journey towards a glorious future.
Toasted with Ceylon Tea, this celebration was truly enriched by captivating performance by the Channa-Upuli Performing Arts who mesmerized the audience with Sri Lankan dancing artistry. Luncheon Buffet featuring authentic Sri Lankan cuisine made the event memorable for all the guests.
This event organized by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Shanghai at a grand scale after a lapse of several years, has been able to consolidate a very high image on the country.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Shanghai
17 February 2026
