The staff of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing , pledging their commitment to implement public policies and goals, took the oath of allegiance to public service, at a ceremony to commence the work year, held at the Embassy premises, on 02nd January 2018.
The ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to China Dr. Karunasena Kodituwakku, followed by singing of the National Anthem, and lighting of the traditional oil lamp.
Addressing the Embassy staff, Ambassador Kodituwakku highlighted the need to enhance and corroborate the longstanding relations between Sri Lanka and China in the spheres of Economic, Tourism, Political, Cultural, Education and Investment in the new year. “The government has decided to ensure food security during this year. Though we are not in a position to contribute directly while in China, we can assist that objective indirectly through strengthening economic partnership in addition to cultural and educational partnership” the Ambassador added. Speaking on the present status of China–Sri Lanka relations, Ambassador Kodituwakku highlighted that the turnover in trade between two countries is now exceeding US $ 4 billion, and that China has become the largest foreign direct investor in Sri Lanka, with two mega projects; the Port City, known as International Financial City in Colombo and the lease of Hambantota Port. He also observed that the number of tourist arrivals from China to Sri Lanka has now reached almost 300,000 annually.
While wishing the staff a happy and prosperous new year, the Ambassador urged for their utmost dedication to fulfill the country’s aspirations.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Beijing
02nd January 2018
